Collapsing ELM infrastructure under the spotlight
A proposed Vaal SEZ engagement in Vereeniging drew sharp criticism from community members and stakeholders, who raised concerns about Emfuleni’s crumbling infrastructure, lack of basic services, and the municipality’s ability to attract and sustain investment.
The collapsing infrastructure in Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), along with the lack of service delivery, was once again brought into the spotlight during the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) engagement held at the Vereeniging Town Hall on April 15.
Stakeholders and community members held the delegation led by Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, to account, asking difficult questions.
During a Question-and-Answer session, DA Chief Whip in the Sedibeng District Municipality, CLLR Lynda Parsonson, questioned why investors would want to flock to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in its current state.
She cited crumbling infrastructure, lack of reliable water and electricity, no renewable energy, and the lack of services as some of the challenges that would turn away potential investment. Parsonson further questioned the timing of the engagement, suggesting that it was a strategic move in time for the upcoming local elections. Parsonson’s delivery was unfortunately cut short after she was accused of politicking.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, she said that she was furious about the way the engagement was carried out. She stated that the public was unfairly limited to two minutes to engage with stakeholders, stating that they should have been given more time to make a comment on the proposed SEZ, as that was the purpose of the meeting.
“The only way ELM will go back to its former glory is by attracting investment and creating jobs. In order for this to be sustainable, they must get their house in order.”
However, Deputy Minister Godlimpi refuted the claim.
“There was a point made by a certain councillor that we only came here because of the upcoming elections. I must address that point. South Africa has a peculiar problem that, almost every two years, there are elections. If we were to take the attitude that we won’t go to communities because there are elections, we would never address the community.As you indicated, we were here in 2023, and now we are here again because we want to address your concerns. We are not doing it for elections.”
Other speakers asked for the Vaal people to be prioritised when job opportunities become available, while others raised concerns about skills development training in time for the SEZ. The bulk of commentators, despite agreeing with the proposal, raised important questions regarding services and dilapidated infrastructure in ELM.
In response, Godlimpi said that he expects to be back in two weeks to address some of the concerns raised by residents and provide feedback on some of the specific issues that have been highlighted.
