Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Leona Kleynhans and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Eric Motloung. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District municipality is pleased that the years-long sewerage crisis in Kestell is finally receiving attention.
The Department of Water and Sanitation instituted an intervention under the Water Services Act, with an initial budget of close to R1 billion, to address the seven collapsed Waste Water Treatment Plants and sewer networks in Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP). At present, the Harrismith, Kestell and Phuthaditjhaba Sewage Plants are receiving attention. After completion, the plants will be handed over to the municipality for operations and maintenance.
A site visit to Kestell revealed that the contractor was already on site and had to begin by creating an access route to the project site. Groundworks at the plant are currently underway, with tons of gravel being brought onto the site. A major sewage pipeline is also being constructed on Van Riebeeck and Botha streets.
This involves digging up the sidewalk and removing ancient trees and their roots, which have infiltrated the sewer line. This is very disruptive for residents in those areas, but they are hopeful that these projects will bring relief from the constant flow of sewage into streets, yards, and homes.
The DA will continue to monitor this project, which is funded by DWS and implemented by the Vaal Central Water Board. Thereafter, the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality’s operations and maintenance of this critical infrastructure will remain under intense scrutiny.
Citizens all deserve, and have a right to, a safe and healthy environment. After many years of complete neglect, we welcome this development and will ensure it is properly maintained and operated correctly.
While the ANC-run, bankrupt MaP municipality flounders from crisis to crisis, in DA-run municipalities, massive investment is made in critical infrastructure, especially water, sewage, electricity, and roads, which also form the backbone of a growing economy.
The DA welcomes this development and will monitor progress to ensure successful completion.