The Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Ms Mapatane Kgomo together with the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the agent today, conducted an oversight visit to the upgrading of existing main outfall sewer project, which forms part of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Schedule 6B currently being implemented in the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Gauteng Province. This critical infrastructure project is aimed at addressing ongoing sewage spillages occasioned by growth of the Boitumelo community which the existing outfall sewer did not cater for; as well as some of the households being built above the existing pipelines. It involves the relocation of the pipeline away from the households, as well as the expansion of the sewer pipeline. The newly constructed pipeline is designed to collect wastewater from the existing sewer network and transport it through and beyond the community to an existing manhole, eventually directing the flow to the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Works. Valued at approximately R65,000,000, the project is currently at 85% completion. It includes the construction of a 1,220-metre-long structural wall pipeline, as well as the construction of an 870-metre-long precast concrete pipeline. The project has created employment opportunities for thirty-five (35) unskilled local labourers and facilitated the development of sixteen (16) subcontracting opportunities to support emerging small businesses. The oversight visit provided an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, identify implementation challenges, and engage with project teams. Some of the challenges experienced in the project include delays which are a result of inclement weather which required work to stop at points, underground water which necessitated the implementation of measures to prevent the infrastructure being damaged. Once completed, this project will address critical service delivery backlogs, prevent environmental issues emanating from spillages. These efforts will enhance access to essential services such as water and sanitation. CEO Kgomo reaffirmed MISA’s commitment to work with the municipality to see the project through to successful completion and long-term sustainability. The visit forms part of MISA’s broader mandate to strengthen the capacity of municipalities by monitoring infrastructure delivery, ensuring accountability, and support to municipalities through effective implementation of infrastructure projects.   Issued by: Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) Enquiries: Siduduziwe Hlatshwayo Contact number: 0822291604