Residents and business owners along Vusi Memela Road were left outraged on Tuesday after long-standing sewage and waste issues were suddenly addressed—coinciding with a visit from the MEC for Human Settlements and his delegation.
For over a week, raw sewage had been flowing like a stream along the main road separating Cato Manor and Mayville. On Tuesday morning, manholes were seen overflowing, forcing motorists to swerve and dodge the stinking water. Residents claim the problem had been reported multiple times to the eThekwini Municipality with no response—until high-ranking officials were due to pass through.
By 11am, municipal staff and jetting machines were stationed along the road, urgently unblocking drains and attempting to clear the sewage. This sudden burst of activity was not lost on locals, who were quick to point out the timing.
“It’s disgusting that they only showed up because the MEC was coming,” said a local shopkeeper. “We’ve been living with this health hazard for days, and they ignored us. Now, suddenly, it’s all hands on deck. It’s not right.”
Residents watched in disbelief as the area was rapidly cleaned up. Garbage that had lined the streets was hastily collected and packed into black bags, giving the illusion of a well-maintained community. But for those who live and work in the area daily, the reality is far different.
“Cato Crest and Mayville are drowning in pollution, illegal dumping, and overcrowding,” said another resident. “This last-minute clean-up was a performance. It was all about appearances, not real concern for our well-being.”
The MEC’s delegation was en route to oversee a housing development project in nearby Cato Crest, using Vusi Memela Road as part of their route. Locals say that had the visit not occurred, the municipality would likely have continued to neglect the worsening situation.
“This road was a health hazard just yesterday,” the shopkeeper added. “Now, because someone important is watching, we suddenly matter? What happens when the MEC leaves?”
Residents are now calling for lasting, consistent service delivery, not temporary fixes driven by political optics. Many expressed anger at being treated as an afterthought in their own communities.
“What we need is dignity and proper service delivery every day—not just when a VIP is on their way,” one resident concluded.
