(read more on this story in HERAUT on 10 June)

NIGEL – When HERAUT reported on the condition of the canal last year, manager of the Department of Water Quality Annamarie Maurizi indicated that short- and long term solutions were to be presented at a scheduled council meeting.

It has been seven months and the canal appears in a worse state than ever. Most sections have little visibility of free flowing water, which is caused by invasive plants (reeds), rubbish and other debris. As a result, water is prevented from ultimately reaching the Blesbokspruit.
Chris Botha, chairperson of the Eeufees Park Retirement Village, told HERAUT that residents are fuming over allegations of rat and cockroach infestations.

HERAUT asked EMM spokesperson Themba Gadebe why the municipality would allow such detriment under its control and received a press release two days later, containing a proud display of words on how EMM resolved a hoarding issue at the house of an 85 year old Gogo from Duduza.

DA Clr Wally Labuschagne responded to HERAUT’s enquiry by saying the municipality had been dealing with some internal issues regarding the Roads and Storm Water Department since last year, but a written commitment by the municipality will see immediate clean-up efforts and maintenance of the canal as soon as the new financial year commences on July 1.