By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – As tensions in the Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) local municipality reach boiling point, council recently received a report from the executive mayor Malekula Melato and her mayoral committee (Mayco) addressing persistent service delivery challenges.
This after a petition was sent by council members to the council speaker, calling for clarity from the mayor and her team as frustrations among community members near a tipping point.
On October 7, MAP’s Council convened to hear members of Mayco outline their proposed solutions to address the escalating service delivery issues impacting local communities. The presentation, however, left some councillors seeking more clarity on the responsibilities of entities involved in addressing these issues, particularly in the area of water and sanitation.
Azael Nhlapo, of the MAP16 Civic Movement, raised concerns over the involvement of both MAPWater and Vaal Central Water in maintenance tasks, which he found unclear.
“According to this report, it’s not specified what role Vaal Central Water plays, as it seems both entities are handling maintenance. This ambiguity complicates our understanding of the water and sanitation situation, and practical solutions are essential for a way forward,” Nhlapo stated.
The issue of sanitation was highlighted further by EFF councillor Chicco Mkhwanazi, who stressed that sewage problems contribute significantly to the broader water crisis.
“The MMC (Member of Mayoral Committee) discusses water issues, but sewage spills, which are visible across streets in places like Bluegumbosch, are not adequately addressed. We need actionable solutions from the mayor and her team on this issue,” Mkhwanazi said.
Maluti-a-Phofung mmc for water and sanitation Neo Motaung.
Councillor Nare Ramohloki, also from MAP16, warned of potential community backlash if these issues remain unaddressed. Expressing frustration, he urged fellow councillors to recognize the gravity of the situation.
“I believe the community has every right to hold us accountable. I advised the new MMC for water and sanitation to prioritize ongoing water projects by coordinating with the executive mayor, but conditions have only worsened,” Ramohloki said.
MMC Neo Motaung’s report on water and sanitation challenges was met with dissatisfaction by some councillors, who felt the proposed interventions lacked specificity and failed to address the critical needs of the community. The urgency of these issues overshadowed other items on the agenda, such as road maintenance and electricity, as council members debated with executive mayor Melato and Mayco about the best way forward.
With community frustrations running high, council members continue to press for clear, actionable plans to address water and sanitation issues to avert further unrest.
