The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has pumped R50 million into Missionvale for the implementation and improvement of bulk stormwater, sanitation and civil services.

About 2500 Missionvale homes will be connected to sanitation and water services by the end of April 2016. Work concerning sanitation and water services work is in the final stages of completion.

The work undertaken by the Municipality is divided in five phases: all these phases will see sanitation, water services, stormwater infrastructure, construction of a pump station and road construction.

The area has a relatively flat terrain and is surrounded by salt pans and a high ground water table. During heavy rains, the community of Missionvale experienced challenges around flooding and poor access for cars and public transport.

The area used to be a shack area, and the residents had to rely on themselves for services. Currently, electricity has been laid on for them, with water services provided through stand pipes located approximately 200 meters from each household.

Following the money

Infrastructure and Engineering Portfolio Chairperson, Cllr Andile Mfunda, led a team of Infrastructure and Engineering Councillors and officials on a site inspection. During the site inspection, they inspected the progress made, interacted with affected communities, and checked on expenditure to date, employment opportunities created and SMME support.

“I had to come here: we are pumping a lot of money into this area to improve services. It is therefore important that we as politicians who carry the mandate of the people follow the money and see if government work is being done,” said Cllr Mfunda.

Accountability is key

Cllr Mfunda stated that a strict instruction had been given to officials that all outstanding service delivery issues of Missionvale must be attended to as a matter of urgency.

“Gone are those days when officials will do as they please. Accountability is key for us to be able to deliver on our mandate. I have given them strict deadlines, because the issues of Missionvale are long overdue. Our people have suffered enough,” said Cllr Mfunda.

He promised residents that before the end of April he would return to officially open some of the finished projects, together with the other officials , led by Executive Mayor Danny Jordaan.