Mpumalanga Premier, David Mabuza (SABC)
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Sanitation problems in some parts of Mpumalanga and the Free State will be eased following a multi-million rand agreement between Sasol, the Mpumalanga provincial government and Free State's Metsimaholo municipality.
Sasol has provided R200 million for sewer upgrading and other developmental needs in the two provinces.
In Mpumalanga cities that will benefit the most are Secunda, Bethal, Leandra and Balfour. Adequate water supply and quality sanitation are serious challenges in Mpumalanga, coupled with ageing infrastructure and mine drainage making it difficult for municipalities to cope.
As a result service delivery protests, some violent, have become an almost daily occurrence. However, the provincial government believes its partnership with Sasol will address the challenge.
Mpumalanga Premier, David Mabuza says: "This partnership will help make the livelihoods of people living around Secunda better. We will also build houses for the poor with Sasol. It is a partnership, we will also venture into skills development, but I'm glad that the raw sewage problem is being addressed as we speak."
In some areas the situation is so dire that residents get sewage from their tap water.
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Sasol group executive member, Maurice Radebe says: "We have structures in place to make sure that the money goes to the intended beneficiaries and no corruption takes place. It will be released according to the projects."
Municipalities have welcomed the lifeline. Goven Mbeki executive mayor, Linda Masina says: "The problem was initially caused by poor workmanship, the contractor that was employed used small pipes, which cannot take the load, therefore we are happy to be receiving such help."
Although the money provided by Sasol may bring relief to the affected communities, billions of rands are still needed to completely eradicate the water and sanitation problems faced by the country.
