VANDERBIJLPARK – Emfuleni Executive Mayor Hassan Mako has declared that the municipality will no longer accept the deterioration of its infrastructure and economy.
He also promised a renewed drive to restore service delivery and attract investment to the Vaal.
The mayor made the declaration during his first State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) since taking office. The event was held at the Vereeniging Civic Centre on August 7.
Several dignitaries, including regional leaders of the African National Congress, former mayors of the region, municipal officials, families and residents, filled the hall.
In his keynote address, Mako acknowledged that Emfuleni faces serious challenges, including unemployment, crime, failing infrastructure and economic stagnation.
However, he stressed that the municipality can still turn its fortunes around.
“Emfuleni is NOT a tragedy waiting to happen. Emfuleni is a phoenix waiting to rise,” Mako said.
He acknowledged residents’ frustration over water problems, damaged roads and deteriorating infrastructure, saying the municipality had reached a point where action could no longer be delayed.
“The era of excuses ends now. The era of empty promises is over,” he said.
Mako said the municipality’s economic recovery strategy would be anchored by major developments under the Vaal 21 vision, including the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Vaal Aerotropolis, Student City and the Vaal River City development.
According to Mako, the proposed Vaal SEZ, which spans 817 hectares across Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi, could attract significant investment and create thousands of jobs.
He said the first phase of the SEZ is expected to contribute R4 billion to the economy, while full development could generate R10.7 billion and create nearly 6,000 direct operational jobs.
Mako also highlighted plans for the Vaal Aerotropolis, which he said could attract an estimated R29 billion in capital investment and support nearly 20,000 formal and informal jobs.
The Vaal River City development remains another key priority, with the municipality seeking funding for bulk water, sanitation, electricity, roads and stormwater infrastructure.
Mako said the municipality is also working to support SMMEs, informal traders and young entrepreneurs through partnerships with organisations such as the NYDA, NEF, SEDFA and SETAs.
“We will restore the dignity of this municipality, brick by brick, street by street, soul by soul,” he said.
Mako further called on councillors, officials, business leaders and communities to unite behind Emfuleni’s recovery.
“The Vaal River does not flow backwards, and neither will we,” he declared.
