On Thursday, 21 November, Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza hosted a series of Mayoral Imbizos in Phomolong, Katlehong, KwaThema, Daveyton, and Mackenzieville to provide residents with updates on service delivery issues affecting their communities.
Despite the mayor’s efforts to address local concerns, many residents expressed frustration over the slow pace of service delivery. One of the most pressing issues raised was recurring sewage leaks in various areas, particularly in Etwatwa. Resident Evans Ngomane voiced his dissatisfaction, saying, “Almost every street is crying here. They come to fix it, and a few days later, the sewage starts leaking again. We don’t know why they can’t do things properly.”
In response, Thembi Msane, MMC for Sanitation in Ekurhuleni, assured the community that several sewage projects are underway, with larger pipes being installed to accommodate the growing population and prevent further leaks. While some initiatives are already in progress, Msane stressed that more efforts are being planned to resolve the issue permanently.
Aside from sewage problems, residents also raised concerns about the state of local roads, with many complaining about potholes and the lack of road markings. Esther Letsoalo, a resident from the area, explained, “Sometimes, we drive past, thinking we have the right of way because there are no road signs or markings, and this leads to accidents.”
In response to these concerns, Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Municipality, noted that the mayor and MMCs had presented a report outlining the ongoing and completed efforts to improve service delivery. He also emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the success of local development. Dlamini urged residents to treat water as a precious resource, refrain from illegal dumping, and ensure timely payment for services to help maintain consistent service delivery.
The mayor and his team also took the opportunity to listen to additional concerns from residents, which included calls for more job opportunities, expanded bursary schemes, improved electrification in underserved areas, and extended operating hours for local clinics. The November Imbizos marked the final round of mayoral engagements for the year, with the municipality planning regular future sessions to address ongoing issues and keep residents informed.
