The leakage was discovered by a local DA councillor while investigating excavations into the breach of the pipeline.
It has been alleged by nearby residents that suspicious tenants from neighbouring properties tunnelled under the road to reach the pipeline and tapped into the line to steal the aviation fuel.
Large tanker trucks are regularly seen in the area at odd hours allegedly to steal fuel.
The DA’s Vaal Regional Chairperson, Dennis Ryder says: “What is of particular concern, is the spillage of the jet fuel into the water table and surrounding ground considering the reliance of many plot owners in the area on boreholes.
“The overpowering smell in the air, fuel seeping into surrounding soil, affected livestock and the deteriorating quality of the borehole water in the area has residents concerned about their health.
“Transnet must account to residents and stakeholders for the negative impact of the spillage.”
Ryder says a leakage of this magnitude needs to be urgently rectified and the theft of fuel over a protracted period investigated.
“The negative impact of the spillage on the residents of the area must be compensated for, and a full disclosure of similar issues, suspected similar issues or potential similar issues must be made,” says Ryder.
The DA says it will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
