AfriForum demands urgent sewer intervention in Emfuleni

VANDERBIJLPARK - AfriForum submitted an urgent memorandum to the Emfuleni Local Municipality yesterday, June 19, demanding immediate action against the growing sewer crisis in Vanderbijlpark. According to AfriForum, dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants and dilapidated infrastructure are threatening residents' health and polluting the environment, including the Vaal River, with raw sewage. AfriForum's district coordinator, Stephanus Blignault, emphasizes that despite R202-million paid to 71 contractors since 2019, no significant improvement has been seen. These funds were specifically intended to resolve the problems. The memorandum proposes a five-point plan to tackle the crisis, including establishing a community forum for input, ensuring transparency on the situation, conducting a financial audit of the R202-million spent, closer collaboration with the Department of Health, and implementing a sustainable maintenance plan. The Emfuleni Municipality has until July 3 to respond to the memorandum. AfriForum also plans to arrange a meeting with the mayor.