Govan Mbeki Local Municipality 2011/12 - Co-operative ...

these rely almost exclusively on borehole water and septic tanks / pit latrines, while
electricity is provided by Eskom. Developmental projects are initiated and carried out
through PPP and in support of the government initiative of the EPWP.
As far as housing demand is concerned, there are still a number of homeless people
living in informal settlements throughout the study area. The total housing backlog is
estimated at approximately 60 000 units. A number of major low cost housing
projects are currently being implemented, whilst there are a number of other
developments taking place, amongst others, the duplex complexes, flats and office
complexes and recently the first township mall at eMbalenhle that hosts
approximately 50 chain stores.
Secunda / Trichardt are by far the most active business zone in Govan Mbeki.
Secunda’s regional role is underlined by the fact that 45% of the financial,
administrative and professional concerns are situated here. Industrial activity in the
area is completely dominated by SASOL, whose site area makes up to 85,7% of the
total industrial / commercial land in the study area.
Community facilities tend to be clustered within the existing urban areas. Except for
some farm schools, the outlying, sparsely populated rural areas do not have
community facilities. Substantial backlogs exist in the provision of some community
facilities. The development of LUMS will enhance the revitalisation of all towns within
the municipality. The SDF seeks to provide future developmental opportunities within
the municipal area.
As far as the environment is concerned, sensitive environments within the study area
include the grassland biome as well as aquatic and wetland habitats. Pollution
emanating from SASOL, the coal-fired power stations in adjacent areas and the
various mining activities is a huge problem.
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