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It is absolutely devastating to see how the community of Masilonyana Local Municipality living in worse conditions than ever before. Sewage is seen running through homes and yards. Windows and doors are kept shut in an attempt to keep the awful smell out.

They have reported the problem to the municipality but up to date, no action has been undertaken. The municipal workers do not have the necessary equipment, or vehicles to address complaints and are often without fuel.

Two years back a contractor was paid an enormous amount to renovate the sewer plant, sewer pump stations, and sewer pipeline. The project was signed off, he was paid, and he left Winburg with a sewer plant still not functional. ALL the sewage, therefore flows through Winburg and Makeleketla directly into the rivulet and into the dam supplying the community with drinking water.

In 2021 housing sites were allocated without provision for bulk infrastructure. The people have no electricity and no water, and they have to dump their own sewer in the veld. The same veld where cattle graze and the catchment area of the water flowing to the dam provides the town with drinking water. The sites are next to the Rietfontein hostel. What a health hazard.

Currently, new sites are being penned out. Once again, NO infrastructure plans are available. These sites are next to the hospital, next to an underground reservoir, and across the street from the formal settlement. The question arises, where are they going to dump their sewer?

The Democratic Alliance will raise questions in the council on the sewage disposal plans for these new sites. It is crucial to ensure that proper infrastructure is in place to handle the waste management needs of these developments. Additionally, the impact on the surrounding environment and communities should be carefully considered before any decisions are made.

As elections draw near, sites will be handed out and then these people are forgotten, just like those who received sites in 2021.

Issued by Brunhilde Rossouw - DA Councillor Masilonyana Local Municipality