WUC, GCC must address city filth

Mmegi Editor | Friday May 21, 2021 14:17

Whilst the estate is fast growing into a suburb, there is an unpleasant smell that increasingly threatens to take away the beauty of the estate brought by, amongst other things, one of the city’s biggest malls Sarona City, which is expected to open up before the end of the year.

The smell is potentially a health hazard and can also be a turn-off to potential investors in the area. It is a serious concern that whilst residents have been permanently exposed to this unpleasant smell, authorities have taken a long time to find a solution to the problem.

WUC has in the past allayed fears that the smell poses danger to human health when residents raised the issue, but promised that the Corporation was working tirelessly to address the anomalies associated with the smell.

To imagine that we are talking about a situation happening in the capital city leaves one wondering why authorities have not seen the need to prioritise the matter. There is a feeling that the issue has been neglected by those responsible.

One wonders whether there is any commitment from authorities or even the political will to address the issue. Both WUC and the City Council must shoulder the blame and give assurances that the problem will be resolved soon. They should give timelines as well so that they are held accountable. 

We understand that the issue of sewage system is a global concern. But we have learnt of countries such as India with higher populations,  which have made success in that area by building simpler and less expensive sewage treatment systems in their countries. Why can’t we benchmark from those who have managed to overcome the problem? Is it an issue of funds?

The answer is a big NO! Even though the City Council is somehow distancing itself from the issue, but as the service provider, it shows that it has been lax  and not pushing WUC to do its job. This should not have taken this long to address.

At least now, from what WUC and the City Council are saying is, there is a plan in the pipeline to deal with the issue even though the City Mayor admitted that no timelines have been set by the WUC as to when the problem will be completely addressed.

Both WUC and City Council are allocated budgets every year from the government purse to provide services to the people. They are expected to deliver without fail and excuses. We therefore call for the two organisations to up their game and execute their mandates.

 

Today’s thought

“Sewage can lead to another disaster, which is disease”. – Walter Maestri