Kliptown residents want to see change, service delivery

The residents of Kliptown informal settlement in Soweto went out in large numbers to cast their votes on Wednesday and many expressed their dissatisfaction with service delivery and want change.

The informal settlement is one of the oldest in Soweto and residents claim there has been no change in their living conditions.

According to the residents, who were patiently waiting in the queue to cast their votes at the Kliptown Community Centre, not much has been done to improve their situation.

Many complained about access to electricity, lack of tap water, flushing toilets and access to health services such as clinics.

Maya Gcwanini, a 44-year-old resident, said change is long overdue in Kliptown and he is casting his vote to ensure that change comes.

“I want to see the current ruling party ousted and have a new government that will bring us change. I am struggling with electricity even though they have installed prepaid meters,” said Gcwanini.

“I am now forced to use cold water to bath because the very same prepaid meter is not working,” he added.

Nadia Rye,60, reiterated the electricity crisis in Kliptown adding that the situation was also affecting learners.

She said sometimes children have to use cold water to bath in the morning before going to school.

“It's even worse here when it is raining because we live in the shacks so whenever it rains power goes off. The situation here is dire. We don't even have a clinic and have to take a taxi to Eldorado Park to access one,” said Rye.