In a rare display of frontline leadership, Ngwathe Local Municipality has launched an intensive ground-level campaign to tackle the chronic decay of its sewer infrastructure and the persistent manhole blockages that have plagued communities for years. What sets this intervention apart is its direct command: Municipal Manager Dr F.P. Mothamaha has personally taken to the field, overseeing operations and working alongside technical teams to address the crisis that has become a source of public anger and health hazards across the region.
The campaign, which began earlier this week, sees municipal workers deployed across multiple wards to unblock clogged sewer lines, repair collapsed pipes, and replace aging components that have long been neglected. Residents have grown accustomed to raw sewage spilling into streets and waterways, particularly during heavy rains, but Dr Mothamaha has vowed that this hands-on approach marks a turning point. “We cannot solve problems from behind a desk,” he said, dressed in protective gear as he supervised a crew in one of the worst-affected areas. “Our people deserve dignity, and that begins with functioning basic services.”
Local community leaders have expressed cautious optimism, noting that previous administrations had promised action without follow-through. However, the municipal manager’s visible presence on the ground has begun to shift perceptions. The campaign is also expected to create temporary employment for local residents as part of a broader job-creation initiative. While the municipality has secured initial funding for emergency repairs, officials acknowledge that a long-term capital investment is urgently needed to overhaul the entire network. For now, Dr Mothamaha has made it clear that the campaign will continue until every reported blockage is cleared and every broken line is restored, sending a clear message that Ngwathe’s leadership is ready to get its hands dirty.
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