Central SA
Emfuleni sewer upgrade brings relief to almost 100,000 residents─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:12 Mon, 24 Nov 2025
The completion of Emfuleni’s long-awaited sewer upgrade marks a turning point for a municipality long plagued by infrastructure decay, environmental hazards, and service delivery failures.
With the newly rerouted and modernised 2.1 km sewer line now fully operational, more than 94,000 residents stand to benefit from the improved sanitation network, said Cogta minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. This will create safer living conditions and improve public health for communities that have endured sewer spillages and unsafe conditions for years.
The minister handed over the R68.2 million upgrade on Thursday (20/11). The project rerouted and modernised the 1.5-metre-diameter main outfall sewer that previously ran through private properties, making maintenance impossible.
For communities in Boitumelo, Sebokeng North, and Evaton, the new line marks the end of decades-long blockages, frequent spillages, and the health threats that came with them.
‘The upgrade was funded through the municipal infrastructure grant’
“For decades, the bulk sewer line in the northern parts of Emfuleni was poorly located, cutting across private properties and making maintenance nearly impossible,” said ministerial spokesperson Pearl Maseko-Binqose.
“This resulted in persistent blockages, environmental hazards, and daily hardship for thousands of residents. The new system now safely channels sewage to the wastewater treatment plant, eliminating long-standing risks and restoring public health and dignity.”
The upgrade was funded through the municipal infrastructure grant and implemented by the municipal infrastructure support agent. Hlabisa applauded the support agent for its effective implementation, emphasising that the project is “a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to restoring dignity”.
The municipality issued a letter warning residents against seeking help from non-municipal workers. Photo: Facebook/Emfuleni Local Municipality
He urged Emfuleni residents to protect and safeguard the infrastructure, noting that proper maintenance and community ownership are essential for ensuring that the upgrades serve future generations.
Last month, Vaal volunteers took to the streets to fight sewer spills and to address blockages in manholes in Sebokeng, Evaton, and surrounding areas. The municipality issued a letter warning residents against seeking help from non-municipal workers.
The volunteers have unblocked more than a hundred severely clogged sewer manholes.
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