Mogale City sewage woes a crisis – Gauteng Premier
Mogale City’s sewage water crisis is regarded as critical and requires urgent intervention according to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has acknowledged the urgency of Mogale City’s sewage water crisis during his November 1 visit to Krugersdorp, describing it as a critical situation requiring immediate intervention.
The visit comes following a presidential directive, urging the office of the premier and relevant provincial departments including Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) to tackle Mogale City’s sewage water treatment challenges.
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Lesufi’s visit also included an in-depth presentation by the municipality and input from various government stakeholders during a Percy Stewart Wastewater Treatment Works (PSWWTW) site inspection last Tuesday, October 29.
According to Mogale City Local Municipality’s communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu, the premier was joined by CoGTA MEC Jacob Mamabolo whose department is responsible for municipal oversight support, Environment MEC Sheila Peters, newly elected Mogale City mayor, Lucky Sele, Gauteng chairperson of the Committee on Agricultural, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Jaco Mulder, National Department of Water Affairs senior officials, interest stakeholder groups and service providers.
The delegates took a first-hand tour of the damages, non-functional equipment, proof of vandalism as well as outstanding and completed areas of refurbishment work at the PSWWTW.
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A turnaround plan detailing envisaged timelines to reduce current sewage spillage, linked refurbishment work and related areas of support with costs will be submitted to the Office of the Premier within a week. The plan should include mitigation measures to protect the river system, biodiversity and broader environment to preserve the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site’s proclaimed Unesco status.
“While the municipality’s R128m budget requirements for the complete refurbishment of PSWWTW was considered reasonable based on the presentation, the importance of protecting infrastructure, stringent project management, budgetary accountability and ongoing maintenance of the plant was emphasised. The premier will in due course brief the president on the government’s support plans to resolve the city’s sewage water challenges, while a visit by the president may also take place,” Mahlangu said.
