Merafong City Investigates Kokosi Extension Service Delivery Concerns Following Social Media Video
The video, featuring Mr Bethuel Mthembu of the One Merafong Organisation (OMO), highlighted complaints regarding sewer spillages and an elderly resident allegedly living without water for an extended period in Kokosi Extension. Following the video's circulation, a joint delegation from the Municipal Department of Water and Sanitation alongside the Marketing and Communications Department conducted a physical site inspection on 9 September 2026 to evaluate the claims.
Investigation and Clearance of Sewer Blockage at House 6328
During the site inspection, municipal officials inspected House 6328 and confirmed that the property's sewer line was blocked. The team attended to the issue on-site and successfully cleared the obstruction.
According to municipal records, the history and findings regarding this location include:
Initial Complaint History: Municipal records show a sewer complaint was previously lodged on 26 August 2026 and attended to the same day. Because the obstruction could not be cleared initially, a sewer jetting truck was deployed on 28 August 2026 to resolve the issue.
Cause of Recurrent Blockage: The latest inspection determined that foreign materials, including rags and plastics, had entered the system and caused a new blockage.
Public Infrastructure Appeal: The municipality urged community members to refrain from disposing of non-biodegradable items such as rags, plastics, sanitary products, and solid waste into the sewer system, as these materials cause infrastructure obstructions and overflows.
Assessment of Alleged Water Supply Interruption at House 5974
The municipal delegation also investigated claims concerning an elderly resident who was allegedly without water access for approximately eight years.
The investigation yielded the following findings:
Location Verification: The municipality determined that the water issue was not located at House 6328, as implied in the video, but instead involved House 5974 following consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Site Inspection & Family Contact: Upon visiting House 5974 on 9 September 2026, inspectors found no occupants present. Neighbours provided contact details for the elderly resident's son, who stated during a phone engagement that the property's water supply pipe is currently disconnected.
Background on Disconnection: Information gathered from neighbours indicated that water was previously available at the property but was disconnected after allegations arose that local community members were unauthorizedly accessing water from the connection point.
Planned Next Steps: The municipality plans to revisit House 5974 once access can be secured to perform a comprehensive technical assessment and establish an appropriate solution.
Merafong City Local Municipality stated its commitment to verifying service delivery complaints through technical inspections. While acknowledging the role of social media in highlighting public concerns, the municipality encouraged residents and civic organisations to report infrastructure issues through official municipal channels to facilitate prompt tracking and response.
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