The CEO of the Council for the Built Environment, Dr Msizi Myeza, has attributed the worsening state of municipal services across South Africa to a critical shortage of skilled professionals. This concern comes amid growing public health fears in the Emfuleni Municipality in the Vaal, where residents are battling a severe sanitation crisis.
Entire communities are overwhelmed by raw sewage, with the stench of human waste permeating the air and infrastructure visibly deteriorating. Experts have described the situation as a national emergency, as households grapple with ongoing sewer spillages and the contamination of water sources.
Dr Myeza says the problem is being compounded by the failure of local governments to scale infrastructure alongside urban population growth. He emphasised that the departure of essential professionals—including engineers, town planners, and artisans—has left municipalities ill-equipped to manage or maintain infrastructure.
“Over the years, local government has lost critical skills, which are vital for maintaining and expanding infrastructure. Municipalities like Emfuleni are facing multiple challenges, and without these key skills, it's nearly impossible to respond effectively,” said Myeza. “This is a national issue that needs urgent attention.”
The crisis in Emfuleni is not new. In April last year, residents raised alarms over untreated sewage flooding their homes for weeks. The situation escalated when the municipality issued a notice warning residents not to drink tap water after sewage infiltrated the local supply.
Frustrated locals are now demanding immediate intervention and long-term solutions, urging government to repair broken sewer lines and restore safe, dignified living conditions.