The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, officially handed over the R68m main outfall sewer upgrade for Evaton and Sebokeng North in the Emfuleni Local Municipality.

The ceremony took place at the Sebokeng Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW), where Minister Hlabisa was welcomed by Acting Executive Mayor Tumi Mochawe. The project, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Schedule 6B and implemented via the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), provides an upgraded gravity sewer main that now links directly to the Sebokeng WWTW, benefiting approximately 94,000 households in Boitumelo, Sebokeng North and Evaton.

The handover marks an important moment for communities that have faced severe sanitation challenges for many years. Previously, Ster North extensively reported on the dire state of sewer infrastructure in Emfuleni, highlighting the scale of the crisis this project seeks to address.

In May 2025, ELM Mayor Sipho Radebe acknowledged the municipality’s long-standing service delivery failures, stating that “the condition of roads, mushrooming illegal dumping sites, and sewer flowing down the streets” remained among the most critical community concerns.

Residents from Ward 31 in Sebokeng Zone 10 described the devastating impact of sewer overflows in a petition saying: “The sewer runs through our streets, into our yards, and even enters our homes. This is a major health hazard. Many of us are suffering from illnesses, we live with an unbearable stench, untreated sewage has caused damage to our properties, financial burdens and emotional distress.”

In a statement, ELM stated that the upgraded gravity sewer main links directly to Sebokeng WWTW, representing a major infrastructure milestone for the community.

“This project demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to delivering reliable sanitation services and supporting community development.”