MOKOPANE – Nothing has been done to alleviate the challenges since an oversight visit to several sewage spills in the Mogalakwena Municipal area (Mokopane Industrial Area, Masodi, Mahwelereng and Sekgagapeng) by the DA Shadow Minister for Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Dave Bryant, MP Beyers Smit and the DA caucus in August.
The sewage pours directly into the flowing rivers in these areas.
Bosveld reported on the visit of August 12 after years of complaints by local DA councillors about the dire state of the town’s infrastructure.
During a surveillance inspection, numerous violations of environmental legislation were found. Bryant said the raw sewage flows into precious natural water systems.
“The sewage is diverted into our river systems and you see the impact it has on the people and their health and hygiene, as well as the impact it has on the environment,” he added.
He confirmed that a criminal case has been filed against the Mogalakwena Municipality and the municipal manager.
Bryant has written a formal letter to Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy outlining the issues so she can have all the information at hand to help address the ongoing problems.
On September 6 the Provincial Department for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, as well as the Department of Water and Sanitation conducted surveillance with the DA councillors of Mogalakwena Municipality to investigate the situation.
An immediate directive was given to the Mogalakwena Municipality to attend to these sewage leaks and spills. On January 16, MP Beyers Smit and councillor Yolande Coetzee, leader of the Mogalakwena caucus, did a follow-up visit to these areas and found little to nothing had been done.
“Sewage continues to flow into the town’s rivers and now it appears there is also a serious water leak somewhere between Sekgagapeng and Parkmore,” explained Coetzee.
“For the past few months we have visited these areas with the Technical Department of Mogalakwena and Water and Sanitation Department. Promises have been made but no action has been taken to address these issues.”
Smit will inform the DA shadow minister of environment, forestry and fisheries of the non-progress that has been made, while Coetzee will inform the provincial departments about the current situation and about the lack of commitment and compliance of the municipality.
The divisional head of communications Malesela Selokela said that the municipality will respond in due course.
