Latest news with #SelbyBokaba
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Call for accountability over ongoing streetlight service failures in Ward 46
The metro is exploring ways to boost the efficiency of teams for streetlight maintenance after Ward 46 residents handed over a petition demanding repairs. According to the petition, only 20% of the ward's streetlights are working, leaving much of the area in darkness at night and raising serious safety concerns. The petition, signed by residents across the ward, calls for urgent intervention and criticises what it describes as 'a lack of basic service delivery', despite residents paying their monthly municipal bills. It also claims that the community has been told that there will be a R35.5-million budget cut for streetlight materials. However, the metro has denied these allegations. In their petition, residents make three key demands: – The creation of an action plan with deadlines for the repair of streetlights in the ward. – The appointment of a dedicated official to be accountable for the repairs. – Regular progress updates via the ward councillor to inform residents. Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba confirmed that Ward 46 has 1 950 streetlights but added that the number of broken lights changes regularly, and because of this, exact numbers aren't available daily. However, he said the metro is working on a strategy to improve lighting maintenance efforts across the city. 'The Energy and Electricity Business Unit is in the process of exploring ways or options to capacitate internal teams to focus on the maintenance of public lighting infrastructure across the city, including Ward 46,' Bokaba said. He stated that while this long-term plan is being finalised, maintenance work continues to take place daily, and the city is prioritising main roads and newly logged complaints. Bokaba said senior supervisors already form part of maintenance teams, and are responsible for monthly and weekly maintenance planning, and making sure that work is completed in line with national standards and NERSA regulations. 'The metro has created WhatsApp communication portals for ward councillors and residents to receive updates on daily activities, and public lighting schedules will also be made available via these channels.' Addressing concerns over resources, Bokaba said the metro is currently making the best use of available materials, contractors, and technicians to deal with both existing and newly reported faults. 'The city is reconfiguring electricity operations to ensure that maintenance resources – technicians, materials, and specialised equipment – are aligned with the scale of work needed,' he said. This process is expected to improve turnaround times and reduce the likelihood of future backlogs. While the petition raises alarm over the alleged budget cut, Bokaba dismissed the claims. 'The Energy and Electricity Business Unit is not aware of any such budget reduction for materials for the maintenance of public lighting infrastructure.' The petition also highlights growing fears over crime and road safety in unlit areas. In response, Bokaba said the TMPD has increased visibility in areas of concern, and teams are working on strategies to improve service delivery. Although the metro has not formally responded to the petition, Bokaba confirmed that two enquiries have been received on the issue of streetlight repairs in Ward 46, one of which has already been addressed. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Remaining Wolwespruit squatters to face action under invasion policy
The Tshwane metro has committed to dealing with the squatters who have settled outside the secured Wolwespruit wetland area through the TMPD and implementation of its land invasion prevention strategy. The move comes after the metro began the eviction of residents from the Wolwespruit wetland on July 11, relocating only 70 South African nationals to Pienaarspoort. According to the metro, these individuals were the only ones officially registered during a survey conducted prior to the relocation process. However, concerns have arisen after about 30 South Africans who were not counted during the initial survey have now erected makeshift structures in surrounding areas just outside the secured wetland on Solomon Mahlangu and Delmas Road. These squatters claim to have nowhere else to go, a situation that has sparked frustration among local ratepayers. Despite earlier promises that all South African residents at Wolwespruit would be relocated, the metro has clarified that only those verified during the official registration process were moved. The metro said that the remaining individuals will be dealt with in accordance with existing land invasion policies. Spokesperson Selby Bokaba clarified that the 70 South Africans were documented in 2021, and formed part of the official relocation plan. 'The city prevented any further invasion and growth of the Wolwespruit settlement from that date,' he said. Reports have since emerged that about 30 South African citizens remain stranded outside the now-secured wetland. Bokaba acknowledged the presence of the squatters but said they had arrived after hearing that South Africans would be relocated. 'It is unfortunate that these are individuals who came for the opportunity of receiving stands,' he said. He said they are trying to get access to temporary accommodation by creating the impression that the metro made an error and had not relocated all South Africans. 'Currently, there is no plan in place to accommodate those who were not part of the original group.' According to Bokaba, remaining individuals will be dealt with through the city's land invasion prevention strategy, which is being implemented by the TMPD. Bokaba added that the wetland property, has been handed over to the Public Investment Corporation, and security measures are now in place to prevent any further settlement. He also confirmed that the relocation process for Wolwespruit residents is complete, with no further relocations planned. 'Long-term solutions for those still residing near the area are not on the table, and the city maintains that the area will be secured and protected from further invasion.' However, local ratepayers are calling on the city's human settlement department to remove the squatters camping outside the Wolwespruit wetland. A resident, Allison Hayward, said while the relocation brought initial relief, the process has been deeply flawed – particularly the failure to account for all South Africans who had been living there. She said the Human Settlements department originally registered only 70 South Africans for relocation to Pienaarspoort. 'However, an estimated 30 more citizens, overlooked in the planning, are now stranded.' She said the squatters now occupy an area that is not suitable for habitation. 'It is a public sidewalk space meant for pedestrian use. The conditions are unhygienic, unsafe, and already showing signs of deterioration,' she explained. Hayward said residents are now not only dealing with the costly and time-consuming rehabilitation of the Wolwespruit wetland, but may now have to to fix pavements if swift action is not taken. 'We simply can't allow the people to reside on the sidewalks as this will just lead to the growth again and become Wolwespruit 2.0. 'We are proud of our neighbourhood, and urgent intervention is required in this matter to finalise and close this eviction process once and for all.' ALSO READ: Wolwespruit wetland cleared after 20-year standoff Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Metro rejects claims of neglect at Moot retirement home
The Tshwane metro has denied claims that a local retirement facility under its housing entity in the Moot is not being properly maintained. The facility which houses the elderly is under the management of the Housing Company Tshwane (HCT). According to Ward 52 councillor, Adriana Randall, who recently raised the alarm regarding the Oos-Moot Retirement Village, said the facility is unserviced and facing maintenance issues. 'The current state of maintenance of the Oos-Moot Village is worrying,' she said. She said vulnerable and elderly people housed at the facility are affected by poor maintenance. She explained that some of the maintenance issues include rusty pipes, a broken motor gate and no working lights. 'The rust has caused several water leaks that have been reported on the reporting system.' She said the broken motor gate is threatening the security of the elderly, as are the outside lights. 'The motorised gate needs to be urgently repaired. You cannot expect elderly people to manually open a huge gate like that. 'I drove there the other night, and the place was in darkness. Maintenance of electrical infrastructure is needed. 'They do not have the financial means to do maintenance themselves,' she said. The metro has however pushed back against these claims. Spokesperson, Selby Bokaba, confirmed that the facility is under the management of the HCT and was transferred to HCT after a report tpresented at Council in 2015. 'The report was adopted by the majority of councillors for implementation. The city cannot have opposing concerns to resolutions passed by its own council.' He added that the HCT is audited by the Auditor-General of South Africa on an annual basis, and no audit queries were raised with regard to financial mismanagement or any troubled past. 'We also have a fully-fledged board that plays an oversight role to ensure ethical governance of the entity,' he said. Bokaba further said the claims of neglect at the retirement village are unfounded. 'The property is not neglected and it is maintained as and when there is a need.' He said the metro is determined to ensure the facility is properly kept, especially because it houses vulnerable elderly residents. 'There is a live-in caretaker stationed at the premises, who is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and cleanliness of the building. There is also 24-hour security at the premises. 'Given the budget constraints experienced by the city and the rental amount paid by the tenants, there is no budget allocated for upgrades.' He confirmed that a budget of R267 000 was allocated to the retirement village for the 2025/26 financial year, but that this only covers reactive maintenance. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
30-07-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Attention Faerie Glen residents: Rescheduled water supply network upgrade on Thursday
Residents in the east of Tshwane should take note of the rescheduled upgrade of the water supply network at Stand 189 and 190 in Faerie Glen Ext 1. Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the initial maintenance work was scheduled to be carried out on July 15. However, it was rescheduled for July 31. He said the metro will carry out rescheduled upgrading and tie-in connection work to the water supply network. Residents in Faerie Glen Ext 1 can expect interrupted water supply of about 10 hours, from 08:00 to 18:00. 'The metro apologises profusely for the inconvenience which may be caused as a result of the above-mentioned rescheduled work,' he said. Bokaba further urged residents to make the following water-conservation measures part of their normal lifestyle: – Do not water or irrigate gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 06:00 and 18:00. – Do not wash vehicles with hosepipes. – Do not fill swimming pools. – Install a low-flow shower head and tap aerators, where possible. – Use a dual-flush toilet cistern. – Plant indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs in the garden – Use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios. – Collect rainwater to reuse in the garden or wash the car. – Cover the swimming pool to reduce water evaporation. – Take a quick shower rather than a bath. – Close a running tap while brushing teeth or shaving. – Regularly check toilets and taps for leaks. He further urged residents to continue using grey water to water gardens and flush toilets. 'Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted. Where possible, water-saving devices should be installed,' he said. Report leaks, burst pipes and all incidents of water wastage to these numbers: – No water supply, burst pipe, leaking meter or blocked street sewer: 012 358 9999 or 080 1111 556 – Illegal water connection: 012 358 9060 – Non-payment: 012 345 8514 – Account enquiries: 012 358 9999 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Metro reform aims to end service delays and disruptions
Residents can expect better and more reliable service delivery starting this month, according to the metro. This comes after the metro successfully met National Treasury's July 1 deadline to transition its electricity, water, and sanitation services into ring-fenced business units. Two dedicated business units have now been established: – Energy and Electricity Business Unit, which will focus on ensuring a stable power supply and infrastructure upgrades, and – Water and Sanitation Business Unit, which will work on improving water quality, reducing leaks, and enhancing wastewater management. Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba stated that this brings the Tshwane metro into compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act and the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations. 'This marks a significant step toward financial sustainability, improved governance, and enhanced service delivery for residents and businesses,' he stated. He explained that the reform eliminates the metro's previous dual service model, which operated at both central and regional levels, and replaces it with a single, centralised operational structure. Bokaba noted that the new structure ensures that money collected from these services is reinvested directly into infrastructure and maintenance to enhance the reliability and lifespan of critical service assets. 'If Tshwane did not implement these reforms, we risked forfeiting the much-needed National Treasury grant funding to provide services to our communities. For us, it's not just a matter of compliance with National Treasury's requirements but also about continuing to benefit from the National Treasury's incentive scheme,' he said. He emphasised that the successful implementation of the reform now safeguards the metro's access to this funding, which is vital for sustaining and expanding service delivery across the metro. As a result, the Tshwane metro can now focus on using these funds for long-term infrastructure investment, improved service delivery, and reduced service disruptions. Bokaba added that the transformation was not rushed but involved consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees, labour unions, and industry players. 'There were no job losses or service disruptions, and all employees were seamlessly transferred. The metro also incorporated public feedback on tariffs and service standards,' he continued. 'From July 1, residents can expect more reliable electricity and water supply, faster response times for service requests, clearer and more cost-reflective billing, and long-term infrastructure investment,' he concluded. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
