The Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) was forced to a halt on Monday morning when a large group of ANC supporters refused workers access to the municipal offices in Vanderbijlpark and wreaked havoc.
Streets around the municipal offices were cordoned off, office windows were broken and rubbish was thrown out and set on fire. Meanwhile, all necessary service delivery came to a standstill and a large area was left without electricity while water and sewage washed through the streets.
The FF Plus urgently had to approach residents of Bonanné and Stefanopark for the purchase of an electric cable to repair a five-day long-term power problem in the area while water had to be transported to other neighbourhood’s. The FF Plus strongly condemns the actions of residents who are wreaking havoc and has already entered into discussions with the speaker of the municipality, Maipoto Tsokolibane, to defuse the situation so that service delivery can continue.
The Emfuleni municipality has been suffering from severe power and water outages for more than a year due to poor or no maintenance work and outdated infrastructure. The FF Plus has already requested the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Lebogang Maile, to replace the municipality’s administrators with more competent persons and will not hesitate to submit a motion of no confidence in the mayor of Emfuleni during the next council meeting in to set.
Media statement issued by: Gerda Senekal (FF Plus councilor: Emfuleni local government)
