The Democratic Alliance (DA) opened a case against the City of Matlosana Mayor, Maetu Kgaile, the Municipal Manager, Theetsi Nkhumise, Municipal Environmental Services Director, Ratidzai Madimutsa, and the Deputy Director, Jerminah Masilo for neglecting a sewage spill that has created a dam near the big pan (Pannetjie) and Vaal Club in Stilfontein. See the photo here.
Following complaints from residents regarding an unbearable stench near Republic Park and the Pan, the DA conducted an oversight inspection of the surrounding area.
Upon inspection, the DA found that there is a sewerage pipe leak which has caused the sewage excrement to create a dam near Republic Park and the Pannetjie. Please see the photo here. See the video.
For years the DA has reported these sewage leaks to the municipality but no permanent solution has been implemented.
DA councillors reported the sewage running to the big pan which led to fish dying, this was followed by community members having a clean-up campaign but due to the infrastructural problems that have not been addressed the sewage kept persisting and polluting the area and the pans.
The sewage dam is located near an old age home and largely residential area. Residents are complaining about the foul smell, with some even reporting that they are experiencing respiratory health issues as a result of the relentless smell surrounding them.
The lack of urgency from the municipality to deal with this problem shows that they are not concerned with the well-being and health of residents and the environment.
The municipality is in contravention of the National Water Management Act, the National Environmental Management Act, specifically Section 49(A)(1)(e) and (f), which states that unlawfully and intentionally or negligently commit any act or omission which detrimentally affects or is likely to detrimentally affect the environment, Section 24 of the Constitution and the Municipal Systems Act for failing to provide municipal services.
Mayor Kgaile, the MM and both Directors as custodians for ensuring the service delivery are directly liable and should be held responsible for failing to do their jobs.
The DA will continue to put pressure on the municipality to swiftly address the sewage spill fixing the leaking pipes and ensuring a clean-up of the sewage dam.