Neglect sparks calls for urgent intervention in Mbombela

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18-05-2026
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Lowvelder
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Residents across Mbombela are questioning municipal service delivery and use of rates and taxes amid ongoing delays in basic maintenance.

Residents across Mbombela and surrounding areas are raising concerns over overgrown grass, unmaintained roads, broken streetlights and deteriorating public spaces, saying the situation is becoming dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians.

In several areas, pedestrians are forced to walk in traffic to avoid thick grass and bushes that have overtaken sidewalks. Residents say the lack of working streetlights has heightened safety concerns.

Although the City of Mbombela (CoM) has previously blamed ongoing rainfall for the rapid growth of grass, community members argue that many roads and public spaces have been neglected for months.

Carol Miles Burns-Thomson described the intersection at the R538 and Vergenoeg Road, near the KMI Airport route, as ‘an accident waiting to happen.’

“You cannot see oncoming traffic, as the road bends and the grass is so high. Although it is a 60km zone, cars and trucks come screaming past in both directions when you are waiting to turn,” she said.

Natascha Cothill said the CoM’s leadership should personally inspect the affected areas. “I think the mayor should actually get in her car and drive around and see for herself how bad it looks everywhere,” she said.

Cothill highlighted several areas affected by broken streetlights, including Dr Enos Mabuza Drive, Belladonna Street and Figtree Street. She also pointed to the R40 between Mbombela and White River, saying conditions there have deteriorated significantly.

“Around Kiaat Hospital and Akeso Clinic there are no streetlights. It is so dark around these hospitals. Nurses are in danger as they have to walk and wait for transport in the dark. It is unsafe for patients and residents. It has been reported many times,” she said.

Another resident, Idris Nomani, said the problems extend across the entire municipality.

“Overgrown bush, potholes, and traffic lights not operating, streetlights not working and faded road markings. This is a problem across the entire Mbombela. But our rates and taxes are paid on time every month,” he said.

Anzel O’Reilly echoed similar frustrations, saying the city’s appearance is deteriorating despite efforts by community organisations.

“The whole of Mbombela looks bad. Afriforum and We Care for Nelspruit cannot stay ahead of the work that needs to be done. Residents want to know what the municipality is doing with the rates and taxes paid every month.”

The community is calling on the CoM to urgently improve grass-cutting operations, repair streetlights, maintain roads and restore public parks before conditions worsen further.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala said grass cutting is ongoing and the streetlight and potholes are being attended to.