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Reprieve from sewage stench is in sight MLM in progress of replacing sewerage pipelines. The devestating effect of the 4-year long sewage overflow. The devestating effect of the 4-year long sewage overflow. MLM in progress of replacing sewerage pipelines. 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The MLM communication department simply stated that “the installation of new sewer pipeline near Global Filling Station is progressing very well”. After years of sewage spillage, and a barrage of endless complaints, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has taken it upon themselves to unblock and repair the disheveled sewerage network opposite Oosthuizen Street. In this week’s update on the progress of the project, the MLM communication department simply stated that “the installation of new sewer pipeline near Global Filling Station is progressing very well”. < Previous Article Next Article >

Throw-and-roll raises eyebrows 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 June 2021 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. With a big hoopla Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) announced on their Facebook page that teams will be repairing roadways, and proudly posted the surfaces repaired. While all is good and well, and the municipality used the proper material for patching, improper practices are the downfall of the work done. Residents have lodged several complaints with the Tribune ePaper regarding the methods used by MLM, and have collectively categorized the repairs as a waste of product and resources. Upon investigation of the wards in question, the cause of the complaint is clear. While the correct product had been used by the teams, the drop and go method used in some of the patchwork, where a mixture is simply poured into potholes and left to dry, proved to be ineffective and many of the potholes that were repaired, are once again a gaping danger to motorists. In other instances, the throw-and-roll method was partially implemented, but can also be deemed a waste of product and resources. The mixture used was clearly inadequate, and the potholes were not cleared of debris and soil before pouring of the mixture. 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. To save resources, manpower and funds, the correct procedure should be implemented, but is not. While institutions and private companies in Ermelo have used the correct method, by cutting out a section of roadway around the pothole, filling and compacting the patch with the correct ration and product, the same cannot be said with MLM’s methods. A semi-permanent procedure for repairing potholes is often considered the best procedure besides full-depth replacement of the affected area. When done according to acceptable standards, the pothole is first cleared of water and debris and the sides of the pothole are squared to a depth where the roadway is sound. The material is placed in the patch area and compacted with equipment smaller than the patch area, is very tightly compacted and provides exceptional longevity. Alas, the majority of the potholes that were repaired by MLM teams are once again eroded to a large degree. According to reports, a joint venture launched by concerned citizens in an attempt to repair roadways to an acceptable level has also fallen through due to disagreements between MLM and the involved parties. Product wastage by municipal teams was cited as one of the main causes of the venture being snuffed. < Previous Article Next Article >

Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Eskom would like to warn its customers against individuals and groups of people who are posing as Eskom employees in order to steal money from customers. These criminals call unsuspecting customers, and demand cash in order for the customer to avoid their electricity being cut due to non-payment of accounts, or cash in return for supply reconnection and services such as replacement of equipment. Eskom has stated that no individual, Eskom employee or contractor is allowed to receive cash payment from customers, as that is illegal and fraudulent. Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Customers are urged to anonymously report all acts that seek to get cash in exchange for a reconnection or to avoid a disconnection to 0800 11 27 22. This is a toll-free number. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rowers vasgekeer op Amersfoort pad Rowers vasgekeer op Amersfoort pad 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 ACSU reaksie lede is in kennis gestel, en het dadelik spoor gesny op die Amersfoort pad. Die voertuig, ‘n Datsun Go wat gebruik is, is deur die reaksie lede opgemerk. Op Maandag, 30 Augustus het ACSU ‘n boodskap ontvang van ‘n besigheid in Amersfoort wat geroof is, en dat die rowers oppad Ermelo toe is. Die reaksie lede is in kennis gestel, en het dadelik spoor gesny op die Amersfoort pad. Die voertuig, ‘n Datsun Go wat gebruik is, is deur die reaksie lede opgemerk, en is dadelik agterna gesit. Binne-in die voertuig was drie verdagtes, en ACSU kon daarin slaag om die voertuig tot stilstand te bring. Die dame wat hul geroof het, saam met die SAPD van Amersfoort, het op die toneel aangekom. Daar is ‘n onbekende bedrag gesteel tydens die roof. Ermelo plaaslike SAPD personeel was ook op die toneel, waar die drie verdagtes gearresteer is en na die SAPD stasie geneem is. “Wel gedaan ACSU, asook die SAPD lede wat spoedig op getree het en die rowers kon vas trek.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Planned Water Shutdown on 17 November 2020 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 The municipality appeal to all affected people to bear with us during period. The municipality also urge the community of Msukaligwa to report any water leaks to the municipal call centre for instantaneous response and to use water sparingly. As supplied by Msukaligwa Local Municipality - Notice is hereby given of the Usuthu River Government Scheme (Department of Water & Sanitation) has planned water shutdown due to an urgent work needed to be done in order to avert catastrophic failure at Jericho Pump Station. The specific scope of work during the shutdown include inter alia the following: isolate valves from the dam wall, then scour the pipeline; divers seal off leaking isolating valves and inspect the grids / screens; inspect manifold and the process will then will be reserved in order go back to normality. The water supply will be interrupted as indicated below: Date : 17th November 2020 (Tuesday) Starting time : 07h00 AM Finishing date : 20th November 2020 (Friday) FinishingTime : 23h59 PM Affected areas will be: • Ermelo South (John Vorster Park and De Bruin Park) • Portion of Cassim Park • Portion of Nederland Park • Extension 32, 33, 34 and New Ermelo The following restrictions are to be complied with during this period: • No use of irrigation system for gardens and lawns • Washing of paved areas with a hosepipe is prohibited • Washing of vehicles is only allowed from a bucket • And any other water wastage activities. During this period the affected areas / high lying area will be supplied with water through water tankers. Communities are urged not to pay water from water tanks as this water is for free. If they are made to pay for the water they must report this to their councillors. The municipality appeal to all affected people to bear with us during period. The municipality also urge the community of Msukaligwa to report any water leaks to the municipal call centre for instantaneous response and to use water sparingly. For more information contact Municipal Call Centre Toll Free 0800 00419 03 < Previous Article Next Article >

Felons make off with R6 million worth of cables 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has suffered and estimated combined loss of R6 million after a burglary at two of their storage rooms. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the thieves gained access to the storage rooms after damaging the locks. “The cables were stolen from the two storage rooms, which are in close proximity to one another. The locks were damaged, despite rumors indicating otherwise. A case has been opened with the SAPS, and the Secunda Organized Crime Unit also investigated the incident.” At the time of publication, no further information could be gleaned from MLM. The spokesman stated that the incident is still under investigation, and additional information released could hamper the investigation. According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. < Previous Article Next Article >

Oosthuizen Street nears completion 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Work had recently commenced on the sewerage network in Oosthuizen Street, which, according to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), is the cause of the four year long sewage overflow in an adjacent field. The overflow has negatively impacted businesses in this area, and has caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem and nearby water sources. The work commenced, hindered by soggy soil caused by the ongoing overflow of sewage. “The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. During excavation, the MLM team caused the perimeter wall of a local business to collapse, further hindering progress. MLM stated that the preliminary investigation indicates that the wall was constructed on top of the sewer line, which is illegal or against the municipal by-law. < Previous Article Next Article >

Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Noluvoyo Sali. Henry Nwagu. Noluvoyo Sali. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 10 February 2021 The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. The Balfour Regional Court, on 5 February 2021, sentenced Henry Nwagu (38), a Nigerian national, and Noluvoyo Sali (32), after they were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Secunda, assisted by members of Secunda Crime Intelligence, Secunda SAPS and Secunda bike squad. The arrests took place on 9 February 2015 during a search and seizure operation at Toon Van Der Heever Street in Secunda. Upon the arrival at the house, the team found a fully equipped and operational drug lab. There were chemicals, ephedrine, weighing scales, fans, big fridges, cash and drugs valued at an estimated R380 000. The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. In 2019, Sali was released on bail pending sentencing, while Nwagu remained in custody. Nwagu was sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs, dealing and possession of drugs, being an illegal immigrant. Nwagu was found to be having four passports, two Lesotho passports and two Nigerian passports. Sali was also sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs and dealing and possession of drugs. Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court forfeited the cash and the equipment to the state. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team and judiciary for the successful conviction, and hopes it will serve as warning to those who are still involved in these type of crimes. < Previous Article Next Article >

Disregard of traffic light leads to accident Disregard of traffic light leads to accident 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 27 January 2021 According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Blind eye turned to public drug use Blind eye turned to public drug use 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 "We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers." Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Kindling for zealous arsonists 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 15 March 2022 One would assume that the stream of vacancies advertised by MLM for horticulturists, groundskeepers and other positions relating to parks and grounds maintenance, Ermelo would be a beacon of neatness. This is, however, not the case. The neglected state of Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s council grounds have long been a topic of discussion, with residents learning to deal with the repercussions as best they can. A prime example is the sordid state of the open fields and crossings within the municipal jurisdiction. With the dry season approaching, it is but a matter of time before the annual cases of arson rears its fiery head. Despite several enquiries directed to MLM as to why the grounds are left to their own devices, no answer has been provided. One would assume that the stream of vacancies advertised by MLM for horticulturists, groundskeepers and other positions relating to parks and grounds maintenance, Ermelo would be a beacon of neatness. This is, however, not the case. Motorists and pedestrians have to crane their necks at intersections within the wards to see past the grass taller than a vehicle’s roof, stray cattle leap from the shrubbery into oncoming traffic, and opportunistic criminals have convenient camouflage from the eyes of law enforcement and neighborhood watch. Once these fields are set alight, the thick bellows of smoke is a whole other kettle of fish, with road users and pedestrians being in equal danger due to the poor visibility that comes with the smoldering grass. Moreover, embers being carried during these field fires pose a danger to residences within the wards, which could easily catch fire during dry season. While MLM departments simply mow the field corners of selected intersections to make it easier to sport oncoming traffic, this is but wool over the eyes of ongoing service delivery failure issues. Unfortunately for wards already facing electrical infrastructure collapse, a large amount of electrical kiosks are shrouded in the tall grass. When this kindling lures a arsonists with an itchy finger, scores of residents are left in the dark as the kiosks are damaged beyond repair. In turn, this causes extensive expenditures on MLM’s books... And so the cycle of financial infeasibility continues. < Previous Article Next Article >

4-Year long raw sewage overflow 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 28 July 2020 Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted In May 2018, the Tribune reported on a persistent sewerage network issue in a field adjacent to Oosthuizen Street, where raw sewage flows freely. At the time of reporting, the issue had already been ongoing for nearly a year. It is evident that this sewerage line is subject to a major unresolved blockage. In the elapsed timeline, surrounding businesses stated that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) had reportedly unblocked the line thrice, unfortunately haphazardly so, with continued spilling experienced within mere days after apparent unblocking. At the time, the issue was reported to MLM, Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), which yielded no results. Fast forward to July 2020, and the overflow is still ongoing. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and residents who takes shortcuts to their homes across this field has to trudge through the soggy soil. To be frank, this ongoing overflow holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While authorities preach about hygiene, cleanliness and sanitizing, this overflow is a slap in the face of the community. Sewage contains a wide variety of dissolved and suspended impurities, and domestic sewage is also very likely to contain disease-causing microbes. The surrounding water sources that this massive pool and overflow of sewage in turn pollutes has a far-reaching impact. Sewage-contaminated water causes eutrophication, which is the increase in concentration of chemical elements required for life. The nitrates, phosphates, and organic matter found in human waste serves as a food for algae and bacteria. This causes these organisms to overpopulate to the point where they use up most of the dissolved oxygen that is naturally found in water, making it difficult for other organisms in this aquatic environment to live. Phosphates are also found in soaps and detergents, but there are other household products that we use everyday that can be toxic to many animals and humans if they are dumped directly into a water body. Residents who have to traverse this much, and stray cattle who return home to their owners, contaminated, poses a major risk of causing illness such as e-coli, diarrhea and hepatitis A, due to bacteria and viruses present in sewage effluent. Gastrointestinal disorders have been linked to sewage pollution, with viruses implicated as the cause. When toxic substances enter a body of water, they will be dissolved, become suspended in water or get deposited on the bed of the water body. The resulting water pollution causes the quality of the water to deteriorate, and affects aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can also seep down and affect groundwater deposits, potentially ending up in the taps of residents. Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted by the Tribune. Attempts to contact the Department of Environmental Affairs has proved fruitless, and the spokesman for the Mpumalanga division ignored submitted enquiries. To see a video footage of the overflow and the devastating effect it has had on the environment, a video is available on our Facebook page. You may also view more photos of the overflow on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >