The locals have expressed dissatisfaction about the project since its inception in November 2024. They outlined that the municipality left several manholes in the area that have a dire impact on their day-to-day lives.They claim that the manholes pose a danger to not only their lives, but also that of their livestock.

The residents say they are also upset with the state the municipality leaves their yards in after completing the project. According to the residents, the workers leave behind rubble and other left-over materials instead of disposing it far from their homes.

One senior citizen, Samaria Mashiloane says the drainpipe installed inside her property was left incomplete and as a result, a minor accidentally fell inside the drain.

READ | Seven-Point Water Intervention Plan revealed

“They left holes in my yard. The water does not pass through, instead builds up and gets inside the houses. It’s not safe for everyone, even kids. Not so long a kid was rescued in the drain. It’s not safe at all. They left everything incomplete,” Mashiloane said.

Other community members who asked not to be named, are calling for a swift closure of the manholes.

“The municipality left a number of holes here when the water pipes were fixed. They even damaged the wall at the Early Childhood Development Centre and children’s lives are now in danger. If only they could come and finish off the project because it’s not safe at all.

“They dig holes and drain after that they leave it like that. We are afraid for our kids and animals and also for ourselves because we are all not safe. Some can kill people and put them in those holes so it’s not safe at all. I don’t know what to do but we are appealing to the municipality to try their best to close all these holes.”

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma, highlighted that they are prioritizing the stormwater drainage infrastructure project. This as a way to counter unprecedented catastrophic floods.

“The municipality is currently doing a lot of intervention with regards to storm water. That’s on the basis that we’ve had a lot of disasters due to the change in raining patterns and also the volume of rain that we are receiving. We received money from national COGTA in regard to disaster on storm water. So we are currently intervening. We have appointed four services providers in the different regions,” Zuma explained.

The municipality acknowledged that there have been challenges that may have caused the delay in the completion of the project, but has promised to attend to the matter.

“We had a bit of a challenge with regards to transfer of funding from the department, but it has been done this week, so all of them are back on site and we are expecting that they are going to conclude the work that they have been given,” Zuma added.

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More than 30 schools and across the province and roof of homes were blown off and damaged. Cogta MEC Speedy Mashilo spoke to the media earlier and said three municipalities were affected.

“It is unfortunate that three municipalities have been affected. Over 500 houses in Bushbuckridge have been damaged. Our teams were on the ground to ensure no one was left behind. As a department, we have made arrangements to assist the affected families. We have provided food parcels and emergency tents for roofing. We are collaborating with the municipality and Gift of the Givers to provide much-needed aid to those affected,” said MEC Speedy Mashilo.

READ | Government declares widespread floods a National Disaster

A local resident recounted, “I was asleep when my neighbour woke me up in the middle of the night. I was scared to come out, but she wanted to show me her roof had been blown off. Eventually, I went outside with my mother to the gate. Upon entering my neighbour’s yard, we found her grandmother on the ground. I asked what happened, and she said she was hit by the corrugated iron from the roof. We called the police, and they arrived with emergency services. Unfortunately, the elderly woman was declared dead upon their arrival.”

READ MORE | PHOTOS | Heavy rains flood Nkomazi region

Family member Sarah Ubisi also expressed her feeling of pain, “this situation has brought immense pain, as I have six children and I am unemployed. We often go to bed with empty stomachs due to lack of food. We humbly request assistance from good Samaritans with food, as there’s literally nothing in the house, and we’re uncertain where to turn. Additionally, we seek aid with our grandmother’s burial, as we’re unemployed and lack the means to cover expenses. Our grandmother was always supportive and willing to help. She checked on us daily. Her passing is a significant loss, as no one can replace her care and support.” In case of flooding, residents are advised to contact the Disaster Management hotline on 0800 202 507.

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This was during a special council meeting convened by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in terms of section 29 (1A) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, No. 117 of 1998.

READ | ANC expels Nkomazi mayor from the party

Magagula’s election comes after vacancies within the Municipal Council, as declared by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on June 24, 2022.

She brings a wealth of experience to the position. She served for two terms in local government in various capacities as MMC in Planning and Development and Corporate Services.

READ MORE | ANC withdraws Philemon Lukhele’s membership

Other Proportional Councillors (PR) were sworn-in include Lindiwe Thembi Vuma, Phindile Charlotte Luphoko and Zandile Innocentia Shungube.

MEC, Mandla Ndlovu has welcomed the election of the new Executive Mayor and the councilors. This will bring stability and acceleration of service delivery within the municipality.

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COGTA’s Deputy Director of Disaster Management, Raymond Manzini, Chris Manzini and Moses Ndlovu of Zalabantu Estate Trust appeared before were arrested by the Hawks’.

READ | Six arrested for corruption and money laundering

Their arrest follows an investigation to a tender which was advertised by the Department of Cogta for the supply of Personal Protective Equipments. During the tendering process, Raymond Manzini influenced the appointment of his friend’s company, Zalabantu Estate Trust, owned by Moses Ndlovu.

READ MORE | More arrests made in Lebombo corruption case

“After the appointment, Ndlovu did not have the resources to supply the PPEs was financially assisted by Manzini. After the delivery of the items, he invoiced the Department and repaid Manzini. He deposited R6 million into Manzini’s younger brother, Chris Manzini’s account. The investigation linked the four, and the Hawks brought the matter before the court,” read the statement.

The court granted the four accused bail of R15 000 each. The case was postponed to July 28, 2022 for further investigation. Additional arrests are eminent.

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