Government has set aside R250 million to renew and improve the sewer network system in Bekkersdal, south west of Johannesburg.

“In responding to the waste management challenges of Bekkersdal, government will also be welcoming the City of Johannesburg’s cleaning intervention team who will be in Bekkersdal for 12 months to assist with garbage and refuse removal and collection,” the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa said.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Pravin Gordhan, Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi launched the Service Delivery Improvement Plan (SDIP) in Bekkersdal on Saturday.

The SDIP is aimed at improving the lives of Bekkersdal residents for the better.

During the launch, government handed over the site to a contractor for the upgrading of the sewer network system as it was last upgraded in the early 1970’s.

Residents of Bekkersdal can also expect a new school to be built in the area under the SDIP.

“Whilst these interventions are government-driven, they are also responding directly to the specific needs that were raised by the community itself.

“In the last few months we have had many critical meetings with the local leadership and this service delivery improvement plan is the culmination of these intensive engagements,” Mamabolo said.

He said more interventions would be delivered over time as part of the service delivery improvement plan, including new RDP houses.

“As government, we are elated that finally we can see eye to eye with our people in Bekkersdal and we are looking forward to a lasting relationship that will return peace permanently and move us away from a negative image of Bekkersdal,” Mamabolo said.

Earlier this year, the community was the scene of violent protests. Residents went on the rampage, demanding the municipality be dissolved due to service delivery issues.