City responds to issues facing Elandfontein residents

Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro has highlighted the severe issues plaguing the Elandsfontein community and outlined necessary improvements.

Despite numerous efforts, the area remains the most underdeveloped and deteriorating in the ward.

During a recent tour, Guerreiro detailed various challenges, including the recent explosion of a new substation on Hattingh Street due to illegal connections from the nearby Emabondeni informal settlement.

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Last year, a refurbished substation near Sizwe Secondary School was similarly vandalised and illegally connected.

Guerreiro noted that Elandsfontein has the worst revenue collection in the ward, with a monthly collection rate of just 6 to 8%.

He emphasised that the ageing power infrastructure cannot meet current demand, leading to frequent substation failures.

“People bypass their meters and illegally connect to the power infrastructure. The informal settlement is connected to the formal side of town, overloading an already strained system,” Guerreiro explained.

Unauthorised backroom constructions further exacerbate the issue, as the system cannot support the increased demand.

Historical context and infrastructure

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Originally built for railway workers, Elandsfontein has seen significant migration, leading to unauthorised backroom constructions to accommodate the influx of workers.

This has strained municipal services, as many residents illegally tap into the sewer and drainage systems.

The outdated clay pipes frequently break under pressure, causing blockages and health hazards.

The residential roads are riddled with potholes, lack road markings and signage, and require rehabilitation.

However, sewage and drainage issues must be addressed first.

Dassie Road remains closed because of stalled sewage works.

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Waste collection occurs weekly, but the lack of bins leads to illegal dumping, which attracts rodents.

Illegal dumping around Hattingh Street, the taxi rank, and other areas remains a concern.

Security and emergency services

The absence of private security companies has led to increased crime.

The Bedfordview SAPS serves the area but is overstretched.

Organised crime, including diesel theft, illegal power connections and illegal land sales in the informal settlement, further destabilise the community.

Ambulances and firefighters have difficulty accessing the area and recent protests over power outages have led to delays in addressing power faults.

Political interference and the rise of illegal taverns add to the challenges.

Informal settlements

Guerreiro said the Emabondeni informal settlement houses over 4 000 people, with allegations of illegal land sales.

A new settlement in a wetland area is growing, potentially accommodating around 700 more residents.

This poses significant risks, as the underground water needs to drain somewhere and compromised sewage and drainage systems are ill-equipped to handle the influx.

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Guerreiro’s comprehensive assessment underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to address Elandsfontein’s infrastructure and service delivery challenges.

Guerreiro said a petition was submitted to have a satellite police station in the area.

“We also asked for a new clinic people as many go to the already strained Klopper Park Clinic.

“We also called various departments to address the sewage affecting the Sizwe Secondary School,” said Guerreiro.

CoE comments

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) said it is taking steps to address the increasing sewage blockages and other issues in Elandsfontein.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini acknowledged the frequent sewage blockages on Hattingh Street, Dassie Street, and near Sizwe Secondary School.

An investigation by the Department of Water revealed that foreign objects dumped in manholes are the primary cause of these blockages.

The department urgently addresses these blockages as they occur, but illegal dumping complicates their efforts, making sites inaccessible and the network difficult to manage. Regular preventative maintenance is conducted to mitigate these issues.

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To combat the problem, the department will conduct an education and awareness campaign on sewer blockages and proper usage of sewer infrastructure for Elandsfontein residents by the end of July.

Residents are encouraged to report sewer blockages and water leaks via the Ekurhuleni Incident Management System App or by calling 0860 543 000.

Updates on community issues will be provided through the ward councillor.

Regarding enforcement measures against illegal dumping, Dlamini stated that the city’s ER&WM Compliance Division handles complaints.

Offenders may receive warning letters or directives under NEMA Section 20 and ECA Section 31 A, requiring cleanup and proof of compliance. In severe cases, criminal charges can be filed.

To promote responsible waste disposal, the city offers several services:

• Weekly waste collection, including litter picking, door-to-door collection in formal areas, communal collection in informal areas, and illegal dump removal.

• Contracts for refuse removal in informal settlements and specialized waste management vehicle hiring.

• Continuous distribution of 240L wheelie bins to prevent littering and illegal dumping.

• Operational and compliant waste management facilities.

• Education and awareness campaigns to encourage responsible waste management practices among residents, industries, institutions, and businesses.

The recently approved integrated waste management by-law, along with Draft AG fines submitted to the chief magistrate’s office, underpins these initiatives.

The city relies on enforcement processes outlined in the National Environmental Management Act and the Environmental Conservation Act.