Latest news with #Metsi-a-Lekoa
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Council approves SPV to deal with water and sanitation issues in ELM
Council approves SPV to deal with water and sanitation issues in ELM VANDERBIJLPARK – In a major step toward improving water and sanitation services in the region, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Council has approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in partnership with Rand decision was made during a Special Council Sitting held on July 1. According to ELM's spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, the newly endorsed SPV will take over full responsibility for the delivery and management of water and sanitation services in Emfuleni, marking a strategic shift aimed at achieving sustainable service delivery. 'The SPV is expected to operate as an independent company and will serve the municipality for the next 30 years. Once operational, it will be accountable for all systems involved in water and sanitation provision to residents and stakeholders.' In a statement, ELM revealed that the formation of the SPV follows months of preparation and the successful securing of key approvals. On June 10, ELM received conditional support from the Minister of Finance, followed by approval from the Minister of Water and Sanitation on June 25. These endorsements were granted under specific conditions outlined in the Public Finance Management Act. The new structure aims to address Emfuleni's long-standing water challenges, which have been exacerbated by financial and operational difficulties within its existing Water and Sanitation Unit, Metsi-a-Lekoa. The ELM has labelled the move as a game-changer, stating that it will be geared towards professionalising and corporatising water services. 'This will significantly enhance our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services,' Sangweni adds. Previously, ELM had signed a memorandum of understanding with Rand Water in September 2023 to conduct a due diligence study on Metsi-a-Lekoa. Work on the SPV launch was delayed late last year, but officials now say the project is back on track and nearing final executive approval. Speaking to Boipatong residents recently who were complaining about damaged infrastructure and sewage running down their streets and into their yards, MMC for Public Works, Tumi Mochawe, highlighted that the municipality had been faced with a problem of aged infrastructure. An optimistic Mochawe, however, promised residents that water and sanitation problems would soon be a thing of the past in ELM due to the approval of the SPV. Sangweni said both ELM and Rand Water teams are in the final stages of implementation. 'The municipality is optimistic about the SPV's impact on improving service delivery and infrastructure management in the region. The official name of the SPV will be revealed at its upcoming launch.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- The Citizen
Sewage leak cancels Riviera on Vaal parkrun — again
VEREENIGING – After weeks of cancellations due to sewage spills, the Riviera on Vaal parkrun briefly resumed on June 28. However, organisers have now been forced to cancel the event again as raw sewage has returned to the course. 'It is with great sadness and frustration that we once again have to cancel the Riviera on Vaal parkrun on July 5, due to sewage spills on the course. Please note that the relevant authorities have been notified of the situation. We apologise profoundly,' the organisers announced on their Facebook page. Parkrun director Linda Bosch explained the source of the current leak. 'The sewage leak is back, and it is emanating from a double-storey house in Golf Road. It is leaking again. We phoned Metsi-a-Lekoa, Emfuleni Local Municipality's water and sanitation department, yesterday. At our start area, the sewage water has piled up again. We need immediate action,' Bosch said. The repeated cancellations highlight ongoing challenges with sewage management in the area, affecting the safety and enjoyment of the popular community event. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
