Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbite in English by Lourens Cromhout
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned about the ongoing collapse of sanitation infrastructure in Umgeni, Zandpan, and surrounding areas in Stilfontein.
For an extended period, raw sewage has been flowing through residential streets and across agricultural land, creating a severe public health and environmental crisis.
What was once regarded as a service delivery failure has now escalated into a humanitarian concern, with devastating consequences for both residents and local farmers.
Reports from the farming community indicate that livestock have died after grazing on contaminated land and consuming polluted water. This not only threatens livelihoods but also raises serious food safety and environmental concerns.
In residential areas, the persistent overflow of sewage exposes communities, particularly children and the elderly, to dangerous health risks. The conditions are unacceptable and constitute a violation of residents’ constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and wellbeing.
The DA calls for the following urgent interventions:
- Immediate deployment of specialised teams to unblock and repair failing sewer infrastructure in Umgeni, Zandpan, and surrounding areas
- A comprehensive environmental impact assessment, along with health and safety inspections in all affected areas
- Full accountability from the responsible authorities
As part of ensuring accountability, the DA confirms that a formal complaint has been lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission.
The continued failure to address this crisis reflects a breakdown in basic service delivery and a disregard for the dignity of residents.
The people of Matlosana, and Stilfontein in particular, deserve safe, dignified living conditions and reliable infrastructure. The DA will continue to hold those responsible accountable until meaningful action is taken.