Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cllr Portia Burrell.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana will request urgent intervention by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, to solve the ongoing sewage problems affecting the Khuma community.
This follows several attempts by the DA to get the City of Matlosana to give attention to a burst sewerage pipe in Khuma.
Raw sewage continues to flow through the properties of residents and into the Dirang ka Natla Comprehensive School grounds, down the Koekemoer Spruit. This sewage spill poses a serious health risk to residents, learners and causes pollution and degradation of the environment. See pictures here, here, and here.
The stench of raw sewage is unbearable.
The DA brought the problem to the attention of Director Ratidzai Madimutsa, who confirmed that the department is aware of the sewage spill but is waiting for the appointment of a contractor. Apparently, the tender was cancelled and readvertised.
It is unacceptable that the City of Matlosana is unable to repair even a basic burst sewerage pipe.
The residents of Extension 9 in Khuma say that they have had enough of the raw sewage which continues to make their lives miserable.
One resident had to close her fast food and car-wash business due to the regular sewage spills and now struggles to make ends meet. This is a clear example of how failure to deliver services suffocate economic activity.
On 1 November, Khuma residents have a choice to continue living under the stench of ANC poor governance and empty promises or to vote for the DA, the only party ready and willing to deliver quality services.