Bekkersdal sewer network system to be upgraded

© Viktor Gladkov – 123RF.com

"In responding to the waste management challenges of Bekkersdal, government will also be welcoming the City of Johannesburg's cleaning intervention team who will be in Bekkersdal for 12 months to assist with garbage and refuse removal and collection," the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa said.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Pravin Gordhan, Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi will launch the Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP) in Bekkersdal on Saturday.

The SDIP is aimed at improving the lives of Bekkersdal residents for the better.

During the launch, government is expected to hand over the site to a contractor for the upgrading the sewer network system as it was last upgraded in the early 1970's.

Residents of Bekkersdal can also expect a new school to be built in the area under the SDIP.

"Whilst these interventions are government-driven, they are also responding directly to the specific needs that were raised by the community itself.

"In the last few months we have had many critical meetings with the local leadership and this service delivery improvement plan is the culmination of these intensive engagements," MEC Mamabolo said.

He said more interventions would be delivered over time as part of the service delivery improvement plan, including new RDP houses.

"As government, we are elated that finally we can see eye to eye with our people in Bekkersdal and we are looking forward to a lasting relationship that will return peace permanently and move us away from a negative image of Bekkersdal," MEC Mamabolo said.

Earlier this year, the community was the scene of violent protests. Residents went on the rampage, demanding the municipality be dissolved due to service delivery issues.