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The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo announced that the party has opened a criminal case against Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) at the Groblersdal police station on 22 October over the alleged sewage pollution of the Olifants River.
According to the DA, independent laboratory tests conducted at three sites outside Groblersdal main pump station on 25 September recorded E.coli levels exceeding 2420 per 100ml.
DA provincial spokesperson for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Jacques Smalle said the findings raised serious concerns about faecal contamination and the potential threat to human health and the environment.
“During a DA oversight inspection, dried and compacted human waste was found in a sewer line at the pump station, raising serious questions about the condition and operation of the municipality’s wastewater infrastructure,” Smalle said.
He expressed concern over the sewage pouring into the Olifants River, saying the situation puts downstream water users, ecosystems and agricultural activities at risk.
“The DA has laid criminal charges to demand a formal investigation into the source, extent and impact of the pollution and establish whether any laws have been breached. SDM must account for the state of its wastewater infrastructure, explain what corrective measures have been taken and provide a clear plan with deadlines to address the problem,” Smalle said.
SDM acknowledged the non-compliance identified as per the directive issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation during the 2024/2025 financial year.
Municipal spokesperson Lemson Moropjane said subsequent to the directive, the institution appointed a consultant to undertake the refurbishment of the Groblersdal Wastewater Treatment Works facility.
Moropjane said the purpose of the refurbishment was to restore the facility to its original design specifications and operational capacity, thereby improving its functionality and ensuring compliance with the applicable requirement.
“Regarding reports of a case against the district municipality, we wish to clarify the municipality is not aware of any such case having been opened,” Moropjane said.
