The DA will write to the Mayor of Makhado Municipality, Cllr. Samuel Munyai, and the Director of community services to raise concerns over the maintenance of blocked water drains. We will also demand that the municipality urgently clear the bushes and grass blocking the drains before more heavy rain.
Residents of Sendedza village in Makhado Municipality have been experiencing a crisis with stagnant water and waterlogged yards since 2017. The problem stems from the municipality’s neglect and irregular maintenance of the water drainage system in the area. This has led to several water drainage pipes being blocked by unkempt and overgrown bushes and grass.
Households and business premises in the village become waterlogged when there are heavy rains, this also leaves residents stranded in their homes, children unable to attend school and businesses unable to function.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers used to clear the grass and bushes as well as unblock the drainages but that was stopped without explanation. The grass and bushes have been allowed to grow to a point where the drainage pipes are no longer visible.
The municipality’s failure to properly maintain the water drainage system in the village is detrimental to the quality of life for residents as well as the local economy, which has the potential to bring about economic benefits and raise living standards.
The DA is committed to ensuring that the residents of Sendedza village have well-maintained infrastructure and will monitor the issue until it is resolved.
