The residents of Mamelodi Extension 18 are once again raising their voices over a problem that has affected their daily lives for years: the poor state of roads and the lack of proper stormwater drainage.
For many in Ext 18, the rainy season brings more than just rain. It brings flooded streets, impassable roads, and days when children cannot get to school and taxis refuse to enter the area. The dirt roads become muddy rivers, making movement difficult and dangerous. Business owners also feel the impact. Delivery vehicles avoid the area to prevent damage to their vehicles, which in turn affects local shops and the broader economy of the community.
MMC For Road and Transport Cllr Tlangi Mogale recently visoted Mamelodi for Road inspections and stated that the City of Tshwane remains committed to addressing the issue of the roads. The City will finalise the process of procuring consultants to prepare the drawings and designs needed for the construction of roads and stormwater infrastructure. While this signals progress on paper, residents remain cautious. Many have heard similar promises before and are now asking for concrete timelines and action, not just plans.
Community members expressed mixed feelings about the announcement. Some welcomed the City’s commitment but stressed the urgency of the situation.
Thandi Dlamuka, a resident , said, “We’ve been hearing about consultants and designs for years. We need tar, not more paperwork.”
Lerato Dube added that accountability is key: “We appreciate that MMC Mogale came to see for himself, but we want dates. Come back and tell us when construction will start.”
The City has not yet provided dates for when consultants will be appointed or when construction will begin. For now, residents of Mamelodi Ext 18 say they will continue to monitor the process closely. Their message to MMC Mogale and the City is clear: planning is important, but after years of waiting, what they need most is delivery.
