Emfuleni making progress, but ageing sewer network remains a major threat: Mayor Mako

Emfuleni Executive Mayor Hassan Mako said the municipality has made progress in reducing sewage spillages into the Vaal River, but cautioned that its sewer crisis is far from over.

“I must be upfront with you. Whatever it is that we achieved last week, for us it gives us calm and not anxiety, but it does not mean that our sewer challenges are over yet,” Mako said.

He said work was continuing in the affected areas, with contractors given three to four weeks to complete outstanding work.

Mako said some of the sewer problems were being caused by foreign objects entering the municipality’s sewer system, including items discarded by community members.

“We’ve removed rocks, cow skins, many foreign objects, towels, clothes, and that on its own has affected that particular environment.”

He said surveying was also underway and the municipality would continue monitoring the work being done to address the problems.

Mako confirmed that he was aware of a sewer problem near Pump Station 10 in Three Rivers. 

A project had been undertaken in the area about a year ago, but the current problem was unrelated to the project completed by the company.

The municipality was following up on the latest problem to ensure it was addressed as soon as possible.

“We are pleased with the milestones that we have achieved to ensure that the sewer does not flow into the river. However, that does not mean we’re out of the woods,”

“I did indicate that our infrastructure has decayed and we need to ensure that we’re always right when we deal with matters like this.”

Mako said he would not comment on the performance of his predecessors, saying his responsibility was to fulfil the mandate given to him as executive mayor.

“I’ve been mandated to be the Executive Mayor of Emfuleni, fully vested with powers in terms of the MFMA on where the municipality should go in terms of policy, service delivery and the budget. And I’m doing exactly that at the present moment,” he said.

“I don’t celebrate small wins. I am trying my utmost best, working with my colleagues and the administration.”

Turning the municipality around required dedication and political will.

Mako also rejected the suggestion that his focus on service delivery was linked to the upcoming elections.

“Before people become voters, they are residents, and I’ve got a constitutional obligation to serve the people of Emfuleni. And I will stick to that,” he said.

“Whether elections are in the next few months or not, to me it matters not. What matters is the lives of our people.”

On his political future, Mako claimed he would not pre-empt the ANC’s processes.

“Given an opportunity, we’ll continue to serve the people of Emfuleni with dignity and pride. However, the rest is a process which the ANC shall pronounce.”

Mako said residents had generally welcomed the municipality’s efforts, while some continued to criticise the administration and hold it accountable.

“Our people have welcomed us quite well, and of course some of them are criticising us, and not only criticising us, but also holding us accountable. And we welcome that for as long as this will take the city forward.”

The municipality was also engaging businesses and other stakeholders affected by infrastructure challenges, including those operating in the tourism sector along the Vaal River.

“We’re meeting different stakeholders each week,” Mako said.

He said he was considering hosting a business breakfast to engage businesses and potential investors and to hear their ideas on how the municipality could move the city forward.

“I also speak to business people who will not only criticise us, but give us ideas on how we can move the city forward. And that is the issue that we’re taking moving forward,” he said.