The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality on 19 September 2017 started replacing sewerage pipes in Pelican and Steenbok Streets in Alberton after the local AfriForum branch exercised pressure on the Municipality for seven consecutive months.
This branch received various complaints from the public since February 2017 regarding the unbearable stench in Alberton. Even though this issue has been reported several times at the Municipality, the actual repair process dragged on for months.
According to Rickie Mans, committee member of the Environmental Affairs portfolio of AfriForum’s Alberton branch, these specific sewerage pipes are also the cause of various other sewerage problems in the surrounding areas. The poor maintenance thereof is also causing blockages in other areas and is responsible for the sewage not being able to flow properly.
“The replacement process will take approximately four days and we will monitor the progress to ensure that the Municipality fulfils its commitments,” says Willie van Wyk, Chairperson of AfriForum’s Alberton branch.
AfriForum is making a plea to the community of Alberton to report similar problems to the Municipality by calling 011 999 2463 and insisting on a reference number. If no action is taken within a reasonable period of time, the problem can be referred to afriforumalb@gmail.com.