The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality has begun the process of collecting the rubbish that littered the streets of Middelburg.

The CBD area has been significantly cleaned, as rubbish that was sprawling onto the roads has been removed, and locals are well within their rights to be relieved at the prospect of municipal commitments, such as garbage collection, becoming operational once again.

However, there are areas such as Asalia Street that still need to be tended to. Several sewage leaks and blockages have plagued the neighbourhood, as well as lots of garbage now scattered across the area.

The sewage leaks in particular have spilt into the river on several occasions, making the surrounding area inhospitable and of some annoyance to those living near the river in Kanonkop.

The leaks have affected numerous communities within Middelburg, particularly the sewage line from Zuid Street to Eastdene that sprouted a number of leaks and blockages, affecting students in Eastdene Combined School, with leaks occurring directly across from the school.

The strike has delayed the construction of a new and upgraded pipeline, however, the municipality has stated that work will commence on Monday, September 12.

Having won the ‘Kwêla Town of the Year’ in 2015, it came as a shock to many to see Middelburg left in a desperate and derelict state. The town will now, hopefully, get back on track and reach the standards that led to the previous acclaim.