Thabong battles sewage horror
Leaders blamed for old infrastructure
The putrid smell of overflowing sewage in Thabong township pollutes the city of Welkom.
Decaying infrastructure and dirt accumulating in the streets add to the unhealthy and dangerous living conditions in Welkom, known as the Circle City, especially its surrounding township, including Thabong.
The stench and filth is one of the many reasons residents of Thabong have called for the mayor of Matjhabeng municipality, Nkosinjani Speelman, to resign.
“The smell is unbearable, we have been pleading with our ward councillor to assist with this sewage problem,” said resident, Mantswaki Thakane.
A resident affected by the sewage leaking into her home said she lives in filth. “Since December last year, I’ve been battling with this sewage problem, even my neighbours offered a helping hand, but this was beyond our control,” said Mmalerato Modikeng.
The deteriorating conditions can be attributed to the long-standing pipeline project that has not been completed. Out of the four pipelines, only one is functioning. The sewage issue affects areas such as Thabong extensions, Hani Park and Phokeng.
In the 2019/20 financial year, the municipality reported that the construction of water and sewage infrastructure in ward 16 and 20 cost the municipality more R40-million.
In its integrated development plan, the municipality prioritised water sewage infrastructure and upgrading of
sewer for 120 units.
Meanwhile, the sewage crisis is affecting all areas of residents’ lives. Motorists, especially taxi owners, are now unable to use the city’s main road, Constantia Road.
A taxi driver, who asked not to be named, blamed leaders “who fight their own personal battles at the expense of residents”.
When asked if he will vote in the upcoming local government elections in November, he said he doesn’t see the
need to vote.
Residents also complaint of crime, including cable theft, burglaries at schools, the murder of a pupil and the vandalism of graves.
Nnuku Modiseng said law authorities are nowhere to be found when crime occurs. “
We are not safe at all. We live with cruel criminals that sabotage the infrastructure, for instance, they steal power cables and we most often end up without electricity,” said Modiseng.