Frustrated residents in Seweding, North West, are accusing Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Mayor Khumalo Molefe of failing to deliver on promises to fix persistent and hazardous sewage spills plaguing their community.
For two years, residents say they have endured raw sewage flowing in their area, creating an unbearable stench they claim is a serious health hazard. Many report frequent illnesses, including respiratory problems, and say the conditions make it difficult to sleep or eat.
“We are suffering from respiratory problems due to sewage spills,” one resident said. “They find it hard to sleep or eat due to the smell.”
The community alleges that local authorities have not done enough to permanently resolve the issue, despite their repeated complaints.
In response, Mayor Khumalo Molefe acknowledged the severity of the problem but pointed to organized vandalism as a primary cause. The Mayor claimed a well-armed and equipped syndicate is responsible for ransacking water infrastructure, worsening the sewage situation and costing the municipality millions.
“Generally, and I’ve been saying this openly, there is a syndicate who are well-armed, well equipped, who are ransacking our infrastructure with impunity on a daily basis,” Mayor Molefe stated.
He assured residents that the municipality has responded to the crisis. An assessment has been completed, and a contractor is now on site working to prevent sewage from flowing into households.
“As a municipality we have responded. I’m coming here for the second if not the third time,” the Mayor said. “All the things that I said will be done have been done. Work is unfolding.”
Emphasizing his personal connection to the issue, Mayor Molefe revealed that he lives in the same community, approximately 1.5 kilometers from the affected area.
“I am part of this community. What they feel I feel. And that’s why I come here every day,” he said. “I made that commitment that until this problem is resolved, I will not leave.”
Despite these assurances, residents remain skeptical, waiting to see if the promised repairs will finally bring an end to the long-standing health and environmental nightmare.
