Residents of Empumelelweni are living under poor conditions

Sbongile Masina

 Residents of Empumelelweni in Emalahleni are fed up with the ongoing poor service delivery from the local municipality. Despite numerous promises, residents feel neglected and frustrated, leading them to resort to unsustainable measures that worsen their living conditions and harm the environment. These resorts include illegal power connections and unsafe water consumption amongst others.  

 This has been ongoing since the area was deemed suitable for occupation. Residents of Empumelelweni, including vulnerable populations such as children are at risk of accidents due to unsafe living conditions. Due to the prolonged absence of essential services like electricity and proper housing, residents have resorted to illegal water and electrical connections, posing safety risks and exacerbating environmental issues such as energy grid strain and unsafe water consumption. 

The municipality of Emalahleni should prioritize adopting sustainable energy solutions like solar power and improving communication with residents to address their needs effectively.  Conduct thorough assessments of service delivery projects and partners to ensure accountability and quality. Implement regular monitoring mechanisms during projects to prevent corner-cutting and ensure adherence to safety standards.

Educate residents about the dangers of illegal connections and promote responsible usage of resources to mitigate environmental damage. By taking these proactive steps, the municipality can work towards addressing the root causes of poor service delivery and fostering a safer, more sustainable living environment for its residents.