Today, the DA reported the Polokwane Local Municipality to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate the insufficiently treated wastewater emanating from the Seshego Wastewater Treatment Plant. (See photo here)
Farmers recently raised concerns regarding the stench along the north banks of the Sand River from wastewater allegedly emanating from the plant.
Upon an oversight, we found that the treatment plant is severely malfunctioning. (See photos here and here)
The plant releases millions of litres of insufficiently treated wastewater daily into the Blood River that connects with the Sand River. (See photos here and here)
In 2021, the Green Drop Report rated the Seshego Wastewater Treatment Plant a score of only 27% in stark contrast to the 54% rating it received in 2013. The rating is indicative that the treatment plant is near a state of total collapse.
Poor maintenance and management resulted in the plant being unable to meet the minimum outflow criteria for wastewater quality which has a disastrous effect downstream on residents, farmers and livestock.
An official at the treatment plant confirmed that the wastewater being released into the river system is not complying with standards set by the Regulator.
In October 2021, the SAHRC, in a report, recommended that the situation regarding failing wastewater treatment works in South Africa and its consequent pollution of South Africa’s water resources should be declared a national disaster, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act.
We will also submit written questions to the council regarding the current state of all Polokwane’s wastewater treatment plants and way forward to address the dire situation.
The DA will continue to be the voice of residents and will not accept contraventions to basic human rights.