This is according to the departmental spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau. He says that the project led by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is being done in a multi-faceted approach because the process does not only involves cleaning the river but optimal operation level must be achieved. 

He adds that this is the reason why the department has undertaken the refurbishment of at least 44 wastewater treatment plants and some of the streams flowing into the river. Ratau says despite the issue of these plants being located in different places, which include Sebokeng and Midvaal, are underway to resuscitate the river.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) previously told OFM News efforts to try and revive the contaminated River at the Emfuleni Local Municipality, that includes Vanderbijlpark, as minimal and disappointing. This was said after its visit to the Sebokeng Water Treatment Plant last month. 

The commission’s spokesperson, Buang Jones, said although the efforts by the SANDF should be commended, the commission was concerned that little was achieved in the bid to revive the Vaal. This as it led an inspection to have first-hand knowledge of the situation in that area since the deployment of the SANDF by President Cyril Ramaphosa in late 2018.

The river has been an environmental and health risk for years as raw sewage from multiple points has flowed into the water. Despite the deployment of specialised engineers from the SANDF, not all the sources of raw sewage polluting the river have been stopped. 

The project was halted as R873-million is needed to continue with the project, which includes rebuilding a collapsed wastewater system. Engineers have been hard at work since last year trying to repair the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Plant.

OFM News