On May 9, AfriForum Heidelberg found that raw sewage is flowing into the Blesbokspruit on a farm close to Ratanda.
Various farmers in the area contacted Willem Sprong of AfriForum Heidelberg about the situation.
Sprong visited the farms, as well as the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT).
“The mainline is completely open in standing-height sewage. How long it has been in this state is anyone’s guess,” Sprong said.
“When visiting ERWAT, the staff confirmed that the sewage treatment station has not had any visit from LLM for quite a long time.”
AfriForum contacted the Department of Waterworks and the Department of Environmental Affairs, requesting them to urgently investigate.
Sprong further said, “It is shocking to see how raw sewage is flowing freely into the Blesbokspruit. The smell that accompanies the sewage makes it unbearable.”
Star Moholobela, senior manager of Water, Sanitation and Solid Waste at LLM, apparently told Sprong he is aware of the issue and that a contractor was contacted to repair the sewage line not later than May 13.
Moholobela said on May 10, “They are currently busy with the repairs. Part of the problem is vandalism and the stealing of covers from the pipeline. The septic truck that is used for the pumping of the sewage was broken and needed to be repaired.
“The community has to stop throwing rubble into the sewer as it hampers the clean-up process and blocks the pipes and drainage,” he concluded.
