ActionSA demands answers over abandoned R3m Orlando West sewage project

ActionSA has urgently raised concerns over a neglected R3 million sewage project in Orlando West, calling for immediate attention to its potential public health risks.

ActionSA said the project, which commenced in September 2024, was intended to restore proper sewerage drainage to the area, an issue that has plagued residents and motorists since 2010.

During its fact-finding mission, the party visited the site and found little or no progress. While some work had been completed between September and November 2024, it stopped, leaving the project in a state of neglect.

“While minimum progress was made between September and November 2024, work abruptly came to a halt, leaving the project incomplete and the community without much-needed relief.”

The party stated that the project was allocated a budget of R3 million and condemned its abandonment, calling it unacceptable that residents have endured over a decade of sewage issues only for the restoration work to be halted midway.

“It is unacceptable that residents have had to endure more than a decade of sewerage issues, only for the restoration project to be abandoned midway. ActionSA demands answers and urgent intervention to ensure the completion of this critical infrastructure. Failure to efficiently maintain our sewerage infrastructure makes communities susceptible to suffering greatly during heavy storms,” the party said.

ActionSA further stated that delays in completing projects hinder service delivery, while financial mismanagement undermines budget allocation and implementation. 

“It is worth noting that the inability to complete projects on time hampers service delivery, while financial deviations in projects negatively impact budget allocation and implementation. Corruption must be declared public enemy number one and individuals found guilty must face decisive action,” the party said.

The party emphasised the need for a thorough review and strict enforcement of contract management policies to ensure accountability and responsible fiscal management. ‘We demand the immediate completion of the project and assert that dereliction of duty, including the failure to actively combat corruption, should be grounds for dismissal for public servants.’

One of the residents, Sipho Khehla, a businessman and mechanic from Orlando West, expressed his frustrations, stating they were promised the project, which began in September 2024, would be completed by December/January 2025. However, when he returned in January, nothing had changed; everything remained the same.

“I am afraid to use my business premises because the dug-up holes are deep and are right next to my entrance. My customers are also reluctant to service their cars here, as they fear falling into the holes, which contain steel rebar.”

He added that they are concerned about the children who play near the dug-up holes, fearing they might fall in. 'We are constantly reminding the kids not to stand or play near the holes; it's a huge risk,' he said.

Another resident, Sindi Maloka, echoed Khehla's concerns about the children’s safety, stating, ''Kids will be kids. No matter how much we reprimand them, they will always find ways to sneak around the area to explore and play.''

Maloka added that the abandoned project has wreaked havoc on local businesses, with the site becoming a disaster. She also noted that homeless people are now using the exposed installation pipes as shelter.

“Now, the pipes that were meant to be installed are lying around, creating hazards for residents and being used as shelters by homeless people,” she said.

Our attempts to obtain comments from the City of Johannesburg and the Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za