Residents of Ext 11, Lebohang, are accusing Govan Mbeki Municipality of violating their rights of living in a healthy environment.
They are living in a cesspool because of a neglected N17 sewage pump station that is supposed to pump their sewage to the sewerage plant.
The residents said since last year, they are living in streams of sewage and their toilets are not functioning because the municipality keeps on changing contractors that are supposed to fix the pump station problem.
“We cannot even go to the toilet because it is not usable. We use the veld even if we have runny stomachs,” said Ms Khanyisile Mkhonza, one of the affected residents.
“During the day, we have to visit friends in other extensions and use their toilets because we cannot use the veld during the day.”
Ms Mkhonza said the residents reported this crisis to the municipality but were told that their situation will not change until the N17 pump is fixed. This is a problem because there is no money for the repairs.
“Right now, I have chest pain and it is difficult to eat because of the stench.
“I have to close doors and windows and spray perfume in my house before I can eat, otherwise I will vomit,” said Ms Mkhonza.
Mr Banele Nkabinde, Democratic Alliance councillor, said the municipality appointed an incompetent contractor last year that didn’t finish the work. They then appointed a second contractor who also failed to complete the work and left when sewer pipes which they had installed, burst.
Mr Nkabinde said GMM then appointed a third contractor to replace bust pipes but this contractor also didn’t finish the work.
He said a fourth contractor has now been appointed to install sewer pipes from the N17 pump station to the sewerage plant, but has neglected to fix that plant.
“How can the municipality begin by installing pipes from a non-functional pump station?
“We are not clear on what action was taken against those contractors who failed to complete work,” said Mr Nkabinde.
Mr Lucky Mhlongo, Govan Mbeki Municipality communication officer, said vandalised infrastructure leads to sewage spills.
The high rate of vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure has led to unplanned water supply interruptions and recurring sewage spills around the Govan Mbeki Municipality.
“The municipality is currently experiencing high incidents of theft and vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure, as targeted by vandals.
“This has resulted in massive infrastructure damages, prompting unplanned water supply interruptions and recurring sewage spills in different parts of the municipality.
“The incidents also leave permanent damage to infrastructure and adversely affect the municipality’s finances due to costly replacement and repairs,” Mr Mhlongo explained.
“Vandalism of municipal infrastructure hampers the municipality’s efforts of providing quality services and it also negatively impacts communities that are inconvenienced and deprived of basic services due to this.”
Mr Mhlongo said the pump station in Leandra is one of the latest that was vandalised.
“However, our team is continuing to clear sewer blockages, which cause overflows, and will continue to do so in efforts to minimise the impact on residents.”
He said while the municipality continues to raise awareness, they once more appeal to the community to safeguard infrastructure set up for their benefit and report any acts of vandalism and theft to:
* Compliance and Law Enforcement: 017 620 6327 or email: compliance@govanmbeki.gov.za.
* Call Centre: 0800 6000 01/2/4, send a WhatsApp message: 083 790 0659 or email: callcentre@govanmbeki.gov.za.
* SAPS: 10111
* Facebook Page @ Govan Mbeki Municipality inbox.
When reporting suspicious or criminal activity, please report as much information as possible, while taking precautions to stay safe.
