DA Limpopo files complaint following raw effluent spillage into Groblersdal water sources

GROBLERSDAL – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo on Monday, 12 February filed a complaint with the Green Scopions against Sekhukhune District Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality in protest against raw effluent spills into water resources.

Lindy Wilson, DA Limpopo spokesperson for CoGHSTA, informed that the charges were laid due to the violation of Section 107 of the National Environmental Management Act and Section 24 of the constitution following the non-functioning of the wastewater treatment plant in Groblersdal, which continues to pollute the environment.

“Raw untreated effluent is running into the Olifants River, which not only creates the risk of cholera outbreak, but also destroys plant and animal life, and the safety of livestock drinking from the river. During the oversight visit conducted at the plant, we found that there are no pumps in working condition, the aerators are non-functioning, clarifiers not operational. There is no E-Coli testing being done, no chlorine is available to treat the water and the officials working there are at risk, not only because of the conditions, but a crocodile is living on the site in the tall shrubs. Raw effluent runs directly into the Olifants River. The stench on the site was unbearable and nearby communities are exposed to it daily,” explained Wilson.

She said they invite Limpopo MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, to personally visit the plant to familiarize himself with “the mess and stench created through the neglect and incompetence of his ANC run municipalities.”

She concluded that her party will not allow further compromise of service delivery to the residents of Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality by the “unconstitutional behaviour of ANC cadres” and will cooperate with the Green Scorpions during their investigation.

Sekhukhune District Municipality could not provide a response on the matter at the time of going to press.