Residents of Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, express their frustration over the operational failures of the Sizakala office, which has left them without essential services.
Image: File
The eThekwini Municipality’s Sizakala Centre premises in Phoenix is facing a major operational crisis that has left community members frustrated and without access to essential services provided at the facility.
Residents have since drafted a petition outlining their concerns and frustrations, which has gained significant traction since its launch last week.
Speaking during a Department of Public Works community meeting on Tuesday, community leader Nielisha Manipershad highlighted severe deficiencies in the office’s functioning and the urgent need for intervention.
Manipershad’s complaints related to reports of long queues and the poor condition of facilities, which have left locals desperate for improved services at the building on Longcroft Drive.
Last week, an undercover visit by a journalist revealed several shortcomings at the facility. These included a security guard allegedly dismissing pleas for access to the office’s restroom, with patrons reportedly told to use facilities at their own homes.
Manipershad said: “People struggle when they go there; they’re not getting help. The computer system is often offline, and toilet facilities don’t work, while two entrance doors are inoperable.”
She said these concerns were compounded by safety issues, leaving the community feeling vulnerable while attempting to access a vital civic service office.
The growing discontent prompted Manipershad and The Voice of Phoenix, the organisation she heads, to initiate a formal online community petition in an effort to advocate for improvements. The petition has rapidly gained traction.
“We launched it just last weekend, and the numbers are growing fast,” she said.
“The Voice of Phoenix has about 3,000 people on its WhatsApp chat, and we have even more engaging with us on social media.”
Since its establishment in 2022, the organisation has acted as a bridge between the municipality and the community, addressing specific needs of residents.
Despite significant strides made by the organisation, including successful engagements with government officials and a ministerial visit, residents’ concerns regarding water supply in the area have escalated to national level attention.
The organisation has also been proactive in responding to community challenges by providing water tankers, food hampers, and assisting the elderly and persons with disabilities with certain administrative processes.
Manipershad said: “We have an office in Longcroft, and we help those who do not know how to complete certain paperwork required.”
She described the meeting with Public Works representatives as an important opportunity for the community to voice concerns directly and seek actionable solutions.
Local councillor Samier Singh confirmed he was aware of the issues at the municipal office and acknowledged that maintenance of the Sizakala Centre falls under the water and sanitation department.
Singh said the matter had created confusion among stakeholders, highlighting the urgent need for clarity and accountability among various city departments.
He noted that oversight challenges have been compounded by budget constraints, particularly within the water department, which has reportedly not compensated contractors for services rendered four months ago.
Singh, who sits on the human resources committee, said he was committed to addressing the concerns and had already raised the matter in writing with the municipality.
“It’s the responsibility of our departments to communicate effectively and work coherently,” Singh said.
“It is unacceptable to let such confusion prevail, especially when public resources are at stake.”
He added that the situation had also been escalated to senior management and to portfolio committee members tasked with oversight of revenue and management.
However, the city’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said a technical assessment had been conducted to determine the required materials and scope of work at the Phoenix facility.
Sisilana said repair work was successfully completed on February 5.
“Following funding approval, a further physical inspection was conducted on the same date to confirm the adequacy of the interventions and to assess any additional maintenance requirements.
“Management continues to actively monitor and follow up on the finalisation of outstanding Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes. These were delayed due to a court matter affecting the award. However, engagements are underway to ensure the awards are concluded without further delay,” she said.
DAILY NEWS