How to book a honeysucker

Parra is on a mission to help empower residents with information to ease certain processes affecting their lives and properties.

This week, we have focused on the issue of conservancy tanks, as well as concerns which have been raised about the Wharf Street Pump Station relocation project.

We raised a query with Dr Vithi (director of infrastructure at Ndlambe Municipality) regarding the process of booking the honeysucker – the truck to empty conservancy tanks at private properties around the municipal area.

We receive regular queries about this, and Dr Vithi promptly provided us with a written outline on the process to follow.

A resident can call one of the clerks at Ndlambe Municipality on 046-604-5500 and ask for Tabisa or Lelethu. The clerks will require the property address and contact details of someone at the premises and accordingly book a pump-out.

The request will be logged on a request form and placed on the pending list. It is important to note the lists are given to the drivers for pump-outs based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dr Vithi noted that there are exceptions made for spillages and that pump-outs of overflowing situations are often attended to first. Residents should advise with the clerks if it is an “urgent” situation.

Dr Vithi mentioned there are instances when there are challenges with the trucks, which can lead to delays.

A resident can decide if they wish to pay cash for the pump-out or have it added to their monthly municipal account. It is good to note there are plans in place to upgrade the sewerage systems in Port Alfred over time, which will help mitigate the challenges faced.

There have been many concerns raised by residents about the elimination of the existing Wharf Street Pump Station and its relocation to another area.

Dr Vithi has confirmed there will be an official statement released by Ndlambe municipality during September to clarify the plans and issues raised.

Dr Vithi has assured Parra that the interests of business owners and affected parties are being considered and various options are being looked at. We ask all concerned parties to please be patient and await official information.

We are working hard for this community and voluntarily donate many hours to ensure the interests of our ratepayers’ and residents’ are raised with the municipality.

If you would like to support us, please consider joining Parra.

If you live, own, work or rent in Port Alfred, Nemato, Station Hill or

Thorn Hill, please get involved. News updates, information and membership forms can be found on our website (www.parra.org.za).

Join us and be part of helping us work to build a better Port Alfred together.