Service delivery challenges in Protea Glen, Johannesburg

Abstract

Background: Protea Glen is located in the north of Lenasia and west of Soweto. The face value of Protea Glen is massively disappointing, as the streets are dirty, sewerage pipes are always leaking, rubbish is dumped on every street corner and the streets have potholes and are in a poor condition. Aim: This article, within the framework of good local governance theory, examines the status of service delivery and institutional measures for improvement in Protea Glen. Setting: The study is based in Protea Glen, Region D: wards 13 and 135. It falls within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng province, South Africa. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-method data collection approach in conducting the research, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys, supplemented with a literature and document review. Results: The findings revealed several causal factors leading to poor access to water, poor sanitation, inappropriate sewerage services, lack of refuse collection and inadequate electricity services in Protea Glen. Conclusion: The study proposes recommendations, such as the use of effective technology, educating the community, improving communication and enhancing citizen participation, which all municipalities in general and Protea Glen in particular should take into consideration.