Dead fish floating on Stilfontein Pans – DA demands urgent national intervention in continuous raw sewage pollution saga

Issued by Cllr Bea Campbell-Cloete – District Councillor: Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
05 Nov 2019 in Press Statements

Continuous raw sewage pollution (see video here) of two fresh water pans in Stilfontein has resulted in dead fish floating on the surface at both pans. See pictures here, here and here.

The areas around these pans are polluted to the extent that the putrid smell has become unbearable for residents living in the vicinity. Members of the community were seen harvesting dead fish which poses a severe health risk. Both pans are used by members of the community for recreational activities

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has repeatedly engaged the City of Matlosana as well as the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality to respond to the crisis. While officials responded by visiting the affected pans, and the fire brigade and members of the community mobilised to pump in fresh water, rescue fish and clean the area, the sewage leak remains unattended.

The DA was also informed that although the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality has made provision for an Environmental Task Team, the positions have not been filled.

The DA will today write to the National Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu and the National Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Barbara Creecy, requesting their joint intervention in the situation at the Stilfontein Pans.

First and foremost the sewerage infrastructure should be repaired followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation programme at the pans.

Raw sewage pollutes fresh water resulting in the presence of increased levels of ammonia, e-coli and orthophosphates and chemical oxygen demand as a result of the decomposition of organic materials. The outcome of this pollution is high mortality rates of fauna and flora, it also poses a severe health risk to people and domestic animals alike that may come into contact with the polluted water.

The DA will continue to monitor this situation and expect a speedy response from government to intervene and rehabilitate the area.