LIMPOPO – Greater Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha has issued a stern warning about the rapid mushrooming of rental accommodation built from or converted from ordinary residential sites, saying the practice is contributing to a sharp increase in sewerage blockages across townships.

Speaking during the final presentation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Rep Forum held on Friday, Zitha did not hold back in pointing a finger at residents’ behaviour as a major driver of the deteriorating sewerage system.

“The issue of sewerage is exaggerated by the behaviour of some residents in the townships,” she said.

“We understand the expansion of the township could also be the cause, but there are areas where it is clear that the sewer blockage is a result of residents’ behaviour.”

Kremetart singled out as problem area

Zitha singled out sections such as Kremetart, where the problem has reached alarming levels.

She explained that in some cases, a single household now accommodates as many as 20 people due to unauthorised house conversions.

Problem has spread across Giyani

She warned that this trend is no longer isolated but has spread across multiple sections of Giyani, including:

• Section A
• Section E
• Section D2
• And others

The mayor said what were once normal, single-family residential sites have increasingly been converted into double-storey structures used to accommodate students and other renters – without municipal approval.

Municipality considering action

“We’re seriously considering taking action because this has become the main contributor to the sewage problem in many other sections such as Section A, E, D2 and others, which are currently suffering from sewage blockages,” she said.

While the mayor acknowledged that the general expansion of the township plays a role in straining infrastructure, she made it clear that unauthorised conversions and overcrowding are accelerating the crisis.

According to her, more people living on a single property means:

• More wastewater
• More pressure on pipes
• More frequent and severe blockages

She warned that the municipality is now actively investigating the matter and will not hesitate to take action.

However, she stressed that any enforcement would not be motivated by unfairness but by the simple need for all residents to follow municipal housing guidelines.

“Don’t say we’re not fair when we take action. Anyone that needs to make extensions to their houses should get approval from the municipality,” she said.

Residents urged to follow proper channels

The mayor concluded with a direct warning that the municipality could step in and take enforcement action at any time.

Residents wishing to extend or convert their properties have been urged to follow proper channels and seek municipal approval before any construction begins.