Cofimvaba suburb roads neglected despite four years of pleas

The streets of Polly, a residential area classified as a suburb, remain in a “horrible state” after almost four years of appeals for basic maintenance, according to David Plata, Chairperson of the Cofimvaba Ratepayers Association.

“I am writing this as Chairperson of the Cofimvaba Ratepayers Association about the streets that are in a horrible state.

“It is almost four years requesting just blading of these streets.”

Plata described a long trail of unanswered requests to local officials.

“The Ward Councillor reportedly tried to assist but without success. Personal visits were made to Technical Director Mr Clock and Municipal Manager Mr Mabono. A letter with photographs was sent to Mr Mabono, but he never responded to my letter till to date,” Plata said.

He said a written appeal to the Mayor drew a promise, but “nothing happened.”

Last year, the Association secured an appointment with Advocate Gagela.

“We were given an ear. We expressed the concern of bad roads. We were promised. Nothing happened,” Plata added.

In December 2025, another call was made to the Director, who referred the matter to the Portfolio Councillor.

“I called him. He promised too. Till to date,” Plata said.

He said out of frustration, pictures were also sent to the MEC, but again no action followed.

“Not a single person ever came to do assessment,” Plata said.

With no municipal response, residents have taken matters into their own hands.

“I used my bakkie to load broken bricks and hired some people because of lost hope. When there are heavy rains it gets washed away. I gave up.”

The deteriorating roads have real consequences.

“My car has been parked for more than 6 months in the garage because if I want to drive I must first hire people and use my bakkie to cart some loads of gravel,” Plata said.

Vulnerable residents are hardest hit.

Plata noted that a woman who uses a wheelchair travels to work daily on the damaged roads, while another man lives at Mandela View and faces the same conditions.

“This is a shame,” Plata said. “Sometimes you ask yourself why do you have to beg people just for service delivery when people pay for services. We are paying taxes as this area is defined as a suburb.”

The Cofimvaba Ratepayers Association says it will continue pressing for action.

At the time of publication, the Municipality had not responded to requests for comment.