Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Orapeleng Moremedi
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana has conducted a joint oversight visit with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to investigate ongoing sewage spillages and potential water contamination affecting residents in Orkney, within the City of Matlosana.
This intervention follows persistent complaints from residents regarding failing sewage infrastructure, recurring spillages, and growing concerns about environmental and public health risks.
The inspection revealed several serious failures across multiple sites.
At the intersection of Milton and Meredith Streets, active sewage flow into the stormwater drainage system was observed, confirming ongoing infrastructure failure and environmental contamination (see photos here and here).
At a main sewer construction site near Patmore Road, contractors are currently excavating and installing a new bulk sewage pipeline to address long-standing defects (see photos here and here). While a projected completion timeline of approximately two weeks has been indicated, there is limited clarity on whether this intervention will provide a sustainable long-term solution.
At the Bosveld Park pump station in Orkney Vaal, concerns remain that sewage may still be entering the Vaal River despite assurances that the pumps are operational. This requires urgent and independent verification.
In Hemmingway Road, it was confirmed that sections of the sewage pipeline have been non-operational for more than five years, reflecting severe neglect and a failure to maintain critical infrastructure.
The DA is deeply concerned about the prolonged collapse of essential sewage services in Orkney.
The continued failure of this infrastructure poses a direct risk to public health, exposes residents to hazardous conditions, and raises the possibility of contamination of the Vaal River, which has broader environmental and economic implications.
The lack of clear communication, accountability, and credible timelines from responsible authorities further compounds the crisis and leaves residents without certainty or relief.
All evidence gathered during the oversight visit, including photographic documentation and supporting information, has been formally submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation to support further investigation and intervention.
All evidence gathered during the oversight visit, including photographic documentation and supporting information, has been formally submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation to support further investigation and intervention.
The DA calls on the Department of Water and Sanitation to urgently intervene and provide the necessary technical support to stabilise the situation and prevent further environmental harm.
The municipality must prioritise the rehabilitation and proper maintenance of sewage infrastructure to ensure that recurring failures are addressed permanently.
Residents must also be provided with transparent and regular updates on progress, timelines, and any risks associated with ongoing sewage spillages.
The ongoing sewage crisis in Orkney is not only a service delivery failure but a serious public health and environmental concern.
Residents cannot be expected to live with raw sewage in their communities while infrastructure continues to fail and accountability remains absent.
The DA will continue to pursue this matter through all available oversight mechanisms to ensure that decisive action is taken and that residents are protected.