Gauteng says Emfuleni not yet fit for administration despite worsening service delivery

Province holds off on placing municipality under administration

The Gauteng Cooperative Governance Department says the Emfuleni Local Municipality does not yet warrant being placed under administration.

The statement follows a return visit by Eyewitness News that highlighted ongoing service delivery failures across the municipality, including erratic water and electricity supply.

Residents report squalid conditions in Boitumelo

On the ground in the Boitumelo township, residents told Eyewitness News they are living with raw sewage inside their homes and are encountering dangerous creatures like snakes and crabs. The Boitumelo housing development, built in the late 1990s, has reportedly deteriorated into unsafe living conditions.

The report said serious underground water intrusion, linked to the area’s location near a flood line, has left homes damp, unstable and unfit for habitation. Despite repeated promises to relocate affected families, many remain in those conditions.

Province points to progress but residents frustrated

Gauteng COGTA acknowledged challenges including sewer failures and crumbling roads, but said these problems do not yet justify placing the municipality under administration.

Spokesperson Theo Nkonki said there have been signs of improvement after provincial interventions and emphasised a collaborative approach. He said:

“What we are doing now, we are happy with what we are seeing. It looks as though something is coming to life, with regard to, at least, their water and sanitation part. And it’s precisely because of the support, not the confrontational way of working.”

At the same time, Nkonki acknowledged residents’ frustration over delays in achieving a fully functional local government.

Ongoing concerns

• Erratic water and electricity supply reported across the municipality.
• Sewage spills and waterlogging affecting homes.
• Unsafe housing conditions in Boitumelo and other areas.
• Promises to relocate affected families have not been fulfilled for many residents.

The Gauteng Cooperative Governance Department’s position delays further intervention by way of administration while monitoring progress from its support-led measures.