Matjhabeng faces an impending disaster due to decaying water infrastructure.
Recent incidents of water shedding, sewer spillages, and water pipe leakages pose a significant threat, that may lead to potential Escherichia coli (E.coli) infections that could result in illness and even death.
Jessica Nel, DA councillor for Ward 36, says the urgency of the situation has been recognised. As such, the DA, in collaboration with water infrastructure expert Andre Knoezé, conducted an investigation into the overflowing water issue at Nyakallong Dam (Stinkpan).
She says the investigation revealed that wastewater from the Harmony Target gold mine’s Shaft 1 is pumped into a large tank, with the excess being directed into Harmony Target’s “Million Gallon Dam”.
During heavy rainfall the dam can overflow, causing water to flow into a nearby marshland and potentially into the Nyakallong dam. While the mine follows a strict protocol to treat and test the wastewater for environmental safety, the bursting of a large sewer pipe at the main entrance of Nyakallong has exacerbated the situation.
“Raw sewerage, recognised by the presence of blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) due to faecal sediment, is accumulating and flowing under the R30 road into a vaporising dam,” says Nel.
The dam, already compromised by heavy rainwater, poses a severe health risk and endangers the safety of the community in the area.
Water pipelines in Balkfontein, as highlighted by Knoezé, pass beneath the contaminated areas. Under normal conditions, the low-pressure presence of contaminated water in the soil is unlikely to infiltrate the high-pressure water pipelines.
However, during water shedding periods when water pressure decreases, there is a risk of sewer water infiltrating the damaged water pipelines. The situation in Allanridge and Nyakallong serves as an example of the widespread issues faced by communities throughout Matjhabeng.
“The health and safety of residents must be the top priority, and the current state of sewer and water decay, particularly in the townships, poses an imminent threat,” says Nel.
“The DA urgently calls on the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to take immediate action in repairing sewer plants and pipelines to prevent illness and the potential loss of life.
“It is essential to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the well-being of our communities.”
