Municipal

Pelzvale residents concerned about the safety of their drinking water

Residents are growing increasingly concerned about the additional expenses of purchasing water for themselves, as well as the impact on animals.

Connie Kennedy van Dam, a Community Policing Forum (CPF) Randfontein South member, revealed that she had the water from her borehole, which is her main source of water, tested and found that the ‘water quality is not fit for residential use’.

The tests found ammonia in the water and Van Dam mentioned if consumed, it can potentially be fatally toxic to an infant.

Despite it being reported to the authorities, she said that sewage had been seeping into the Mohlakeng region for the past two years. Sewage spills down the R28 to the plots and seeps into the groundwater. She stated that she is uncertain if the ammonia in the water is caused by sewage or illegal mining in the vicinity, both of which are problems.

Johan Willemse stands next to the sewage running along the R28. Photo supplied.

“We have complained with no results. Where do we go from here? We need something to happen,” said Van Dam.

She has a factory on her plot along with family members staying there, all using the same water. She now has to buy 25-litre water bottles regularly for them to have safe drinking water. She raised concern for the other residents in the area, as well as the animals and children, adding there are around 100 plots in the area.

“We want the issue sorted for the people and their livelihood including their food gardens and animals.”

Johan Willems stands where the sewage water comes out of the ground. Photo supplied.

Johan Willemse, head of the CPF Randfontein South added, “It is already a big problem, if you speak to the community members that have cattle, sheep and goats they have problems with stillborn and birth defects in their animals. Every other week there is a virus in the air that is related to water contamination. I just pray that we don’t get a cholera outbreak in this area. We have to pull out all the stops and fight this head-on.”

The Randfontein Herald approached the municipality regarding what the cause of the ammonia found in the water might be, as well as what can be done about the sewage leak and illegal mining and what residents can do to ensure the safety of their drinking water. No comment has been received from the municipality, as soon as comment is received an update will be given.

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