Latest news with #MerafongCityLocalMunicipality
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Young residents to erect shacks on neglected Khutsong South sports field
Tensions are rising in Khutsong South Extension 4 after a group of young residents began occupying an abandoned sports field, planning to erect shacks in protest of housing shortages and municipal neglect. On June 19 and 20, around 200 young people took to the overgrown sports field—long neglected by the Merafong City Local Municipality—to measure out plots and begin establishing informal housing. According to Vusi Cele, one of the youth leaders, the move comes after years of frustration over the lack of development and affordable housing in the area. 'The municipality left the field to rot, and now we are forced to rent rooms we can't afford,' said Cele. 'Even worse, parts of the field were given to churches, taking away spaces we once used to play soccer as kids.' The group submitted a petition outlining their housing needs to the municipality on June 20, demanding intervention and support. According to the municipality's 2020/21 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), over R3 million had been allocated for the field's upgrade—but no work was ever done. However, not all community members support the move. Some local residents, including Mzwandile Maila, have raised safety concerns about the unauthorised occupation. 'Many of the occupants aren't even from Extension 4,' Maila claimed. 'They've declared that no one will remove them, and the situation is becoming tense. We fear for the security of our community.' Concerned residents have since called on the municipality to take action. By the time of publication, no intervention had taken place, and the municipality failed to respond to queries on the matter. The situation remains volatile, with both the newly settled youth and long-time residents awaiting a clear response from local authorities. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Khutsong sinkhole repaired but new hazard left behind by contractor
Khutsong, South Africa – May 2025 A municipal contractor has completed work on a massive sinkhole near Hlanganani Primary School in Khutsong — but instead of fully resolving the problem, the site has now been left with new safety hazards that put the community at risk. The Herald first reported in March that a contractor appointed by the Merafong City Local Municipality began filling the large sinkhole, which had caved in back in December 2021 due to a long-standing sewage leak. The site, located directly across from the primary school, has remained a source of public concern and controversy for years. Millions spent, yet new safety threat emerges According to municipal documents, the most recent 'refurbishment' project cost an additional R6 million, awarded to a local contractor. This follows a previous scandal, currently under Hawks investigation, in which almost R5 million was allegedly paid for work that was never completed. That case was opened in October 2024 and remains under investigation. Despite delays caused by heavy rain, the latest work was completed by 8 May 2025. However, when The Herald visited the site the next day, several new problems were evident. Gravel extraction leaves dangerous hole in nearby veld Roughly 500 metres from the repaired sinkhole, the contractor left behind a large excavation site where gravel was sourced for the fill. This gaping hole is not only a hazard to pedestrians, especially children walking through the veld, but it could also become a breeding ground for another sinkhole if water begins to collect there. Khutsong has seen over 10 sinkholes form in the vicinity of the school in the past 15 years, mostly due to water and sewage accumulating underground. Unfinished work poses danger to learners and residents In addition to the gravel pit, the sinkhole site was not properly levelled, raising concerns about erosion and accessibility. Even more alarming, The Herald observed that a manhole and stormwater drain next to the site remain wide open, posing serious risks to learners and passersby. These openings are so deep that someone could easily fall in, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. Silence from Merafong Municipality Despite inquiries sent on Monday, the Merafong City Local Municipality has not responded to questions about the unfinished work, the newly created hazards, or what steps will be taken to address them. Community calls for accountability With millions spent and the safety of schoolchildren at stake, local residents are demanding answers and accountability. The situation once again highlights the ongoing issues with municipal infrastructure, mismanagement, and the long-term risks posed by unchecked water and sewage leaks in dolomitic areas like Khutsong. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
