Residents can expect increased municipal enforcement after the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) conducted a multidisciplinary operation across Alberton on June 5, targeting infrastructure concerns, by-law compliance and environmental issues.

The operation brought together MMCs, councillors and senior city officials who visited several areas of Alberton to address service delivery challenges and engage directly with the community.

One of the key issues identified during the operation was severe waterlogging along Bosworth and Johnson streets.

According to the city, MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance Nomadlozi Nkosi committed to deploying a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB) to excavate and repair the affected area.

Officials also discovered what they described as an unauthorised extension to a business property.

The city alleges that water from the property has been channelled directly onto a public street. A formal investigation has been launched to determine whether the property complies with municipal building and by-law requirements.

The operation concluded at Alberton Dam, where officials inspected water quality concerns that have troubled residents for months.

According to the CoE, illegal effluent discharge has significantly affected the water body. The city said rehabilitation plans are being developed and that companies found to be illegally dumping waste into the system will receive immediate notices.

The latest findings come months after residents raised an alarm over a strong chemical-like odour around the dam, particularly in Verwoerdpark.

As previously reported by the Alberton Record, residents complained of health concerns linked to the smell, while discoloured water was observed in and around the dam.

At the time, city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said investigations were underway to determine the source of the contamination and warned residents to avoid contact with the water as a precaution.

The city’s latest inspection appears to confirm ongoing concerns about pollution affecting the dam.

Residents have long called for decisive action to protect one of Alberton’s best-known recreational and environmental assets.

The June operation formed part of the city’s broader campaign to improve compliance with municipal by-laws while addressing service delivery and environmental challenges across communities. Among those who participated in the operation were MMC Dora Mlambo, MMC Nomadlozi Nkosi, MMC Jean Sthato, MMC Siyabonga Moloi, PR Councillor Rudolf Herbst, Ald Izak Berg and Caretaker Head of Department Lesego Sentsho.

WATCH: Toxic smell threatens residents’ lives, animals near Alberton Dam