The Makhado Municipality admitted that an almost five metre deep open sewage pit dug in the ground right next to new residential developments in Extension 9, creates an extremely dangerous situation.

The function of the highly unhealthy and potentially dangerous open pit is to direct raw sewage from newly built houses away from homes which have not yet been connected to the town’s sewage system.

Asked as to how Council could approve construction work on new buildings, without Council being able to provide services, Masindi Mapholi (Director Technical Services) said that the municipality is going to employ a contractor which will build a sewage system and connect it to the main line. Many residents, however, expressed their concern over this practice whereby Council was able to sell unserviced stands in the first place.

Mapholi added that parts of the town’s infrastructure will be upgraded even if the money has to come from the Vhembe District Municipality. He also commented on the dangerous situation and said that he personally instructed municipal officials to make the hole more visible with red tape. This did not happen and Mapholi said he would take further steps against the officials.

With regard to the safety aspect of the unmarked open pit, many fear that a child falling into it will surely die. This is apart from the health risk. Mapholi said that the open pit is going to be filled up until the contractors are able to begin construction on the sewage system.