Ekurhuleni’s financial mismanagement leads to sanitation crisis in Vusimuzi

By Ald. Mabekenyane Thamahane — DA PR Councillor

12 September 2024

Residents of Vusimuzi Informal Settlement in Thembisa, Ward 90, face a severe sanitation crisis that underscores the broader systemic failures of the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) under the ANC-EFF coalition.

For the past three weeks, chemical toilets provided by the city to the Vusimuzi community have been left uncleaned and unmaintained.

This neglect follows the suspension of services by service providers, who halted their operations due to non-payment by the municipality.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the CoE formally questioned the Executive Mayor regarding the delays in paying these service providers and why the city has not complied with National Treasury’s 30-day payment period.

Following DA pressure, the matter was resolved and the chemical toilets were cleaned.

However, this is not an isolated incident

Across the municipality residents of informal settlements have to endure similar conditions to those in Vusimuzi, many of whom are elderly and awaiting RDP house allocations are forced to make use of inadequate sanitation facilities.

Overflowing toilets force residents to make use of inhumane and degrading alternatives like bushes and open fields.

The Democratic Alliance is committed to advocating for the residents of Ekurhuleni, demanding accountability from the ANC-EFF coalition to ensure our residents are treated with the dignity and respect the deserve.

Media Enquiries:

Ald. Mabekenyane Thamahane
DA PR Councillor
073 910 7272