Alpha Ramushwana17 April 2024 | 10:15

There’s been ‘impactful & visible service delivery’ in townships, says Ekurhuleni Mayor Xhakaza

Contrary to Xhakaza’s claim, Katlehong residents on Wednesday criticised the metro for failing to deal with sewer spillages, replace damaged pipes, and improve waste collection.

There’s been ‘impactful & visible service delivery’ in townships, says Ekurhuleni Mayor Xhakaza

Newly elected Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza at 702’s Election Townhall at the DH Williams Community Hall in Katlehong on 17 April 2024. Picture: X/Radio702

JOHANNESBURG - Newly elected Ekurhuleni Mayor and African National Congress (ANC) councillor, Doctor Xhakaza, said there’s been "impactful and visible service delivery" in townships.

This is despite Katlehong residents criticising the metro for failing to deal with sewer spillages, replace damaged pipes, and improve waste collection.

ALSO READ:

- New Ekurhuleni mayor Xhakaza insists there'll be change from previous administration

- Service delivery challenges are foremost for incoming Ekurhuleni Mayor Xhakaza

- ANC promises stability in Ekurhuleni following election of new mayor

Residents were gathered at the DH Williams Community Hall on Wednesday morning where they raised concerns with political leaders during 702’s Election Townhall.

The contrasting views between Xhakaza and Katlehong residents on service delivery stood out during the election townhall.

One resident, among many others, complained that the township was inundated by sewer spillages and crime: "I went to a police station. When I got there, I found police shaking hands with a drug dealer. How will we become safe?"

But Xhakaza, who has been the mayor for less than a week, said the municipality would solve the problems.

"There are sewer issues in Katelhong and we know about them. These are the areas we intend to look at."

He said the ANC has been set back by the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led administration following the 2021 local government elections.