eMBALENHLE – The sewage spills and overflowing drains are even worse than before in Mandela Section, although millions of rands were invested to eradicate the problem in the area.
Speaking to Ridge Times, the residents expressed their frustration over the sewage spills in the area and said they have had enough of the raw sewage flowing in the streets.
They suspect that blocked underground pipes are to be blamed.
Overflowing drains are still a daily occurrence, regardless of the National Government Intervention Programme (NGIP) which saw a committed budget of R53-million towards addressing the sewer spills, specifically in eMbalenhle.
The NGIP came after the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) was named as one of the dysfunctional municipalities in the province.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, former Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), visited Mandela Section and Extension 18 to inspect and monitor the progress of the project in April.
He was not impressed with some of the work done by the contractors and instructed them to improve on the quality of service.
Residents said Dr Mkhize’s visit did not make any difference, as the contractors still left the area in disarray.
Mr Ernest Jonas, a resident, accused the contractors of being unskilled and incompetent.
“The situation is worse than before.
“In some parts the construction was left incomplete and heaps of soil are blocking the roads. In other streets, the people can not enter their yards with their cars and ambulances and police vehicles can not reach those houses.
“What happened to the money invested in this project?”
Mr Jonas said he has given up reporting the matter to the municipality and decided to clear the heap of the soil next to his yard himself.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have lambasted the contractors and GMM for the problems.
Mr Kudumela Shai, EFF public relations councillor, said the residents in Mandela Section are living under horrible conditions due to the sewage spills.
“The ANC appointed their unqualified comrades to do the job.
“The stench is unbearable and residents are taken for granted.
“When we take this matter to the authorities, you are treated as the enemy, but the community is suffering.”
Mr Tony Mabizela, DA proportional councillor, said drastic actions should be taken against the municipality for the severe crisis in the area.
He said his party approached the Human Rights Commission to intervene.
“They came and evaluated the area and took samples.
This does not only affect humans, but also wildlife and livestock.
“The municipality is ignoring the residents of Mandela Section.
“In actual fact, there is no service delivery in the area.
“They are also without electricity and we can not even recall when last the refuse was removed.”
Ms Mency Ndoda, Ward Councillor, disputed that the contractors have left, however acknowledged that some residents have raised their concerns.
She said the contractors explained they have not cleared some parts of Mandela Section, because these areas are wet and the machines will get stuck in the mud.
“We are monitoring the project to ensure that the work is done properly. The contractors promised to clear the remaining streets of soil.
“We urge the residents to be patient as the job is not yet done.”
