Potchefstroom: Poorly functioning wastewater treatment plants and ongoing sewerage spillages continue to contribute significantly to water pollution in JB Marks Local Municipality in North West, prompting intervention by the national Department of Water and Sanitation. Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo met with the municipality to address the ongoing deterioration of sewerage infrastructure in Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom, and its impact on the Mooi River.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department reported that Seitlholo had received numerous complaints from residents about persistent sewerage spillages contaminating the Mooi River, a critical water source used for domestic water use, agriculture, livestock farming, and industrial activities. Several industrial areas rely on the river to sustain their operations, making its protection an urgent environmental and socio-economic priority.
The department highlighted that the challenges facing the municipality are largely due to ageing and deteriorating sewerage infrastructure, which has resulted in frequent overflowing manholes that pose serious health risks and negatively affect residents and businesses. While some manholes affecting local businesses have been unblocked, the lack of appropriate machinery has led to continued sewer spillages. Consequently, pollution of the Mooi River has persisted, primarily from untreated sewage and wastewater entering the river directly or through stormwater channels.
Between 2020 and 2023, affected communities and downstream water users lodged complaints with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Subsequent inspections in Ikageng led DWS to issue a Notice of Intention to issue a Directive to JB Marks Local Municipality in terms of Section 19(3) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998).
Despite the municipality’s responses to the notices and directives, the department stated that the measures taken failed to implement immediate and effective solutions to prevent environmental pollution. In addition to the directives, a criminal case was filed by civil society, and the matter is under investigation by an Environmental Management Inspector from the DFFE.
DWS continues to receive complaints regarding sewage spillages in the area, indicating failures within the sewer networks and pump stations. To address these challenges, DWS has approved several projects under the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to rehabilitate and upgrade sewerage infrastructure in Promosa and Mohadin, areas experiencing persistent sewerage spillages.
During site inspections, Seitlholo and his delegation observed ongoing sewerage spillages in Extension 7, near Poortjies Dam, including reports of two households enduring sewer spillages for approximately 10 years. The Deputy Minister stressed that while the municipality has approved projects to tackle these issues, the lack of adequate tools remains a critical impediment.
‘The municipality does not have the necessary equipment to respond swiftly and effectively to sewerage spillages, resulting in residents and businesses being forced to live and operate under unsanitary conditions for prolonged periods. These matters were clearly raised with the Municipal Manager and the MMC, who was acting as Mayor at the time. The current situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue,’ Seitlholo stated.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled within the next two weeks to assess progress and ensure corrective measures are implemented.