How safe is Vryheid’s drinking water?

“It has been an ongoing problem at Bhekuzulu’s main sewage pump, possibly since 2016. Several complaints were made to the municipality, but to date, nothing has been done. All the complaints fall on deaf ears,” says AfriForum Vryheid chairman André van der Walt.
When a journalist from the Vryheid Herald visited the site with André, it was clear that the pump had not been working for years. In fact, the two pumps that are supposed to be operating are non-existent and only two big holes stare one in the face inside the building, which in turn is a safety hazard. The operating mechanics of the pumps are dilapidated, with wires that look like they have been ripped out. The raw sewage stench is unbearable. Sewage is supposed to be pumped from the Bhekuzulu pump station to the town’s main sewage plant, where it gets treated. Sadly, the sewage in Bhekuzulu is now flowing into Besterspruit and in turn flows into Klipfontein Dam. The town’s main source of water comes from Klipfontein Dam. This is of grave concern to the safety of the town’s water, since contaminated water enters the main source of the town’s drinking water.
AfriForum indicated that they are busy with their ‘Blue Drop’ campaign, where they test different towns’ drinking water to determine whether it is safe for consumption. Unfortunately, the results are not available as yet.
The Vryheid Herald conveyed their concerns to AbaQulusi Local Municipality, but they had not responded at the time of going to print.

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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.