Sewerage spill threatens ANC flagship

Sewerage spill threatens ANC flagship

A massive sewer spill in Middelburg, in the Steve Tshwete municipality is threatening the environment, the small Olifant’s river and eco system, in this so-called ANC ‘flagship’ municipality. During an oversight visit conducted last week the DA was appalled to find a sewerage spill of astronomical proportions in Zuid Street.

A follow up visit to the spill site on 14 October revealed that although the raw sewer was no longer spewing from the drains, little has done to clean up the aftermath of the sewer spill. The DA will write an urgent letter to the Municipal Manager, providing him with photographs, requesting him to ensure that this environmental disaster cleaned up immediately. The damage to the eco-system is astronomical when taking into account that this sewerage ran directly into the small Olifants River from where it flowed to the Loskop dam, a large source of irrigation.

The DA will also request the municipal manager for:

1.    An immediate environmental clean-up in order to remove the stench as well as prevent loss of life to animals in the area.

2.    Water testing must be done in the small Olifants river as well as Loskop Dam to determine the effects this sewerage has had on this vital water resource.

3.    Direct communication with residents to:

a.    Warn the public of possible contamination of water along the river which is a popular recreational venue for families over weekends

b.    Relay to the public the findings of the water tests

4.    Communication with the management of Loskop dam to inform them of the spillage and the possible contamination of this water resource so that they in turn may put an action plan in place.

5.    Firm plans for systems that must be put in place to detect and prevent a disaster of this magnitude from happening again.

The DA is fully aware that the municipality must be held accountable. Should the STLM fail to act immediately on this disaster and implement preventative measures, we will have no choice but lay criminal charges against the Steve Tshwete Municipality in terms of sections 151 (i) and (j) of the National Water Act for wilfully and negligently polluting a water source.  

Disasters of this nature can have a devastating effect on the community and economy, directly influencing the tourism and agricultural industry, which could result in job losses. The DA and the residents simply cannot allow this crisis to escalate at the hands of the Steve Tshwete municipality’s failure to act.  

While the ANC repeatedly claims that the STLM is their flagship municipality, evidence is mounting that all is not well in this municipality. The DA fears that this important economic hub in our province is on a slippery slope and could soon follow in the foot-steps of neighbouring municipalities such as Emalahleni and Emakhazeni.