The underground electrical cables around the swimming pool has been excavated and melted down inside the building. Enterprising looters have also begun breaking down sections of the walls and chipping the bricks clean, presumably for personal use or sale.

The spill contravenes several statutory requirements, as stated by AfriForum in their 2014 summons. In terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence.

Were it not for the MIG and WSIG grant funds, the financial aspect of the municipality would be deemed unviable. Even with the additional funds allocated, the financial outlook for the municipality, and residents under its area of governance, is extremely poor.

Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago.

Malaza stated that substantial amounts are being paid to Eskom, servicing an account that, according to him, may not be settled in the near future.

Opportunistic criminals sit and wait for the infamous load reduction to be implemented, and have themselves a jolly good time chopping off one cable after another.

"The municipality has since moved some of the kiosks from 88kV substation to the 11kV substation in order to try and ameliorate the situation at the 88kV."

Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM.

Breyten, Sheepmoor, Lothair, Davel and Chrissiesmeer all showed a payment rate of 1%, which translates to virtual non-payment from these residents.

Hierdie riool loop dan verby ‘n nabygeleë skool, wat eerstens onaanvaarbaar is. Tweedens eindig die riool op in die Pet Dam, wat dan veroorsaak dat die dam verslyk.

Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action.

MLM spokesperson, Mandla Zwane, simply ignored the enquiry submitted by the Tribune ePaper.