SOSHANGUVE – Recent maintenance work in Soshanguve Block FF has been welcomed by residents, but many say it falls short of addressing long-standing infrastructure problems in the area.
The work, including road markings, water leak repairs and pavement cleaning, forms part of the City of Tshwane’s #ReASpana campaign. Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya 5 June 2026, describing the program as an effort to improve service delivery and public spaces.
Residents, however, say the intervention comes after years of delays and ongoing challenges.
Mofedile Mbeshu, who has lived in Block FF since 2014, said the community had not been informed when infrastructure development would begin and had waited years for basic improvements. “When I arrived here in 2014, there were no roads. Residents were told the City did not have the budget for road construction,” she said.
While she appreciates the recent maintenance, she believes it should have happened much earlier. “We pay high rates and taxes, but these developments are arriving very late,” she said.
Flooding remains one of the area’s most pressing concerns, she added. “When it rains heavily, roads become flooded, and some businesses are forced to close because customers cannot access them. The flooding affects daily life and economic activity in the community.”
Another resident, Mr Mikelnzana, who has lived in Block FF since 1989, attributed the situation to long-standing planning and administrative challenges. “In the past, there was better planning and maintenance. Residents were often told there was no budget available or that certain areas were not prioritised,” he said.
He said flooding continues to pose serious risks. “When heavy rains come, water enters people’s homes and affects facilities such as day-care centres. It creates safety concerns and disrupts normal life.”
The City says road markings are intended to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, while leak repairs aim to reduce water losses and stabilise supply. Pavement cleaning is expected to improve the appearance and safety of public spaces.
However, residents argue that maintenance alone will not resolve deeper infrastructure issues, particularly inadequate stormwater drainage. At the time of publication, the City of Tshwane had not responded to questions about the cost of the maintenance work, the number of leaks repaired, or whether similar upgrades are planned for other parts of Soshanguve.
Residents said they hope the recent activity signals the start of sustained infrastructure investment rather than a once-off intervention.
