This news follows hot on the heels of a statement regarding an operation taking place wherein the municipality is trying to convince consumers to pay their outstanding service fees.
Emalahleni Local Municipality is busy with Operation Hlasela, aimed at ensuring an increase in the revenue of the municipality as well as a decrease in outstanding debt in order to meets its obligations towards the Eskom account.
Now they are putting their weight behind the new development consisting of approximately 3 500 stands, a project was declared a National Priority Project and is implemented in support of the Government’s Breaking New Ground Strategy and intends to address the housing backlog in the area.
“If this area is suitable for development, and it complies with a Technical and Environmental Impact Assessment oversight, we support it,” said Mr Theo van Vuuren, Acting Municipal Manager.
He said their plans for bulk and other services make provision for new developments.
This too can also result in a very controversial debate. It is a known fact that Sewer Treatment Works are not up to standard and an increase in traffic can only lead to more frustration.
Then there is the issue of undermined areas in the vicinity. These areas were not rehabilitated and subsidence and sinkholes are present. Underground fires and acid mine drainage also sound alarm bells.
Van Vuuren said any concerns will receive the necessary attention.
Clean Stream Environmental Services was appointed as independent environmental consultant to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the development site. Residents still have until June 5 to raise their concerns about this proposed development by evaluating the draft Scoping Report compiled by Clean Stream.
The draft Scoping Report is available at Witbank Public Library or can be downloaded from the Clean Stream website (New Projects/Scoping Report/ Klarinet Phase 2). Comments can be forwarded to riana@cleanstreamsa.co.za.
Comments received will be included in the final Scoping Report and will be addressed as part of the EIA phase of the project.
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