By More Matshediso
Pretoria – The Maquassi Hills Local Municipality in the North West has received sewer machinery worth R1.2 million to resolve the issue of continuous sewage spillages which cause a stench in the area.
The sewer machinery, including a honey suck truck for over flowing drainage and a jet machine, was handed over to the municipality by MEC Collen Maine of Local Government and Human Settlements.
This follows complaints from community members in Lebaleng Extension 3, 4 and 5 to the North West Provincial Government about the health risks associated with the spillages as well as the bad stench it caused.
MEC Maine said no one should be subjected to the hazardous situation.
“We were unable to turn a blind [on the sewer spillages] hence we came up with such an intervention. The honey suck truck and a bakkie with a jet machine trailer will stop unnecessary sewer spillages,” said the MEC.
MEC Maine said the municipality will continue to teach residents about how to avoid future spillages. Residents should not to deposit plastics, boxes, disposable nappies and tins into the sewer system.
Mayor of Maquassie Hills, Noni Kgabi, said the municipality had been in dire need of the equipment for a very long time.
“We will now deal with blockages as when they happen, reducing the turnaround time. Spillages in the area, which have bothered residents, will be a thing of the past,” Kgabi said.
The municipality has also refurbished a sewer pump station to the value of R700 000, with assistance from the department.
The refurbishment of the station created temporary jobs for 70 young people in the area.
Ward 11 Councillor, Doctor Mohadi, said with the refurbished sewer plant and the machinery, he couldn’t have asked for more. - SAnews.gov.za
