Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s municipal manager, Maqhawe Kunene, formally acknowledged a community-compiled report detailing widespread service delivery failures in Ermelo and Wesselton, covering the period from January 1 to May 3.

It was compiled and structured by Sonicha Korczynski, Silvija Breytenbach, and Lourens de Beer, who organised the community-sourced data into a consolidated findings document.

The report, structured from more than 1 200 complaints recorded via community WhatsApp and Telegram groups, highlights recurring electricity and water disruptions, alongside sanitation issues, road damage, street light outages, and refuse collection failures.

The members indicated that Kunene confirmed the document will be registered, tabled before the technical departments, and presented to council for action.

They also said he acknowledged their role in compiling data reflecting systemic service delivery challenges.

The findings point to approximately 620 electricity-related incidents and 510 water supply failures, with repeated breakdowns affecting the same households and streets.

Some areas experienced prolonged outages exceeding 24 hours.

The municipality has committed to providing a written response outlining planned interventions within 21 days, while the report also notes ongoing provincial intervention under Section 139(5).

Taken together, the findings indicate sustained infrastructure strain affecting core services in Ermelo and Wesselton.

Read more about detailed incident breakdowns and supporting examples in the Highvelder’s printed edition.