Report brims with pollution, harm due to scrappy waterworks

Incomplete projects, including the R7 million stormwater dam that was paid for but never built, are some of the serious material irregularities highlighted in the 2023 Auditor-General (AG) report.

Essential projects like the Witpan Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW); the multimillion rand Nyakallong attenuation dam that was not built; and the pollution of the Phomolong water infringing on human rights, and even having the potential to cause serious harm to humans and animals alike, was also highlighted.

The pollution at the Witpan was not prevented, and the works have totally collapsed.

This resulted in continual spilling and discharge of raw untreated sewage into the adjacent environment, including the groundwater, the Sand river and its extended watercourse. The municipality did not take reasonable measures to prevent pollution of the environment and water resources from occurring. Furthermore, the discharge of raw untreated sewage into the environment is likely to cause substantial harm to the communities exposed to, and dependent on, the contaminated water resources.

The R7 million paid for the attenuation dam at Nyakallong was addressed in detail. The overpayments are likely to result in a material financial loss for the municipality, if not recovered.

This matter has been referred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for investigation.

Another issue highlighted was the pollution of the Henneman WWTW.

These works have totally collapsed and have not been operating effectively. This resulted in continued spilling and discharge of raw untreated sewage into the adjacent environment, including the groundwater, Rietspruit and its extended watercourse. This, too, is likely to cause substantial harm to the communities exposed to, and dependent on, the contaminated water resources.

The Phomolong WWTW has totally collapsed and has not been operating effectively. This, too, has resulted in continued spilling and discharge of raw untreated sewage into the adjacent environment, including the groundwater, Slootspruit, and its extended watercourse.

The municipality did not take reasonable measures to prevent pollution of the environment and water resource from occurringThe discharge of raw untreated sewage into the environment is likely to cause substantial harm to the communities exposed to it.