The municipality previously experienced collapsed sewerage lines as a result of rubble being thrown into manholes. The municipality’s communication officer, Thokozile Nkuna, said the blocked manholes contribute immensely to an already strained sewerage system that is impacting all wards.

In an invitation to attend the inspection, it is stated that Mchunu will be joined by the Executive Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, and inspect the heronia Pan and Lakeview waste water treatment plants. 

ALSO READ: Sewage spillage a thorn in Matjhabeng’s side

The political party, Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD), recently approached the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to intervene at the municipality, which they claim has failed to clear sewage spillages that have subjected residents to horrible smells and other health hazards.

Nkuna explained that after the new administration took office, one of the issues that received priority was the sewerage challenge.

"Upon embarking on a road show earlier this year to assess the municipality's infrastructure, which includes sewerage plants and pump stations, it was found that out of 11 treatment plants, only 3 are working, and of the 56 pump stations in the municipality, only 4 are working.

"The council declared Matjhabeng a disaster in that regard and sought assistance from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation. The ministry then committed R522 million while the provincial government pledged R68 million to address the sewerage challenge," added Nkuna.

In a statement earlier this year, the Department of Water and Sanitation assessed that Matjhabeng would need R522 million to refurbish all wastewater treatment works and replace 1500km of pipeline.

Mchunu’s visit comes on the heels of the taps of residents in Riebeeckstad, Welkom, being filled with water after a leak causing taps to run dry.

According to a media statement issued by Matjhabeng local municipality, their bulk water supplier, Bloem Water, experienced a chlorine leak on the night of Tuesday, 1 November 2022.

Bloem Water’s Operations and Maintenance Manager, Maruping Rapudungoane, confirms that due to the leak, they had to stop the water plant at Balkfontein. 

Bloem Water’s team started to repair the leak the morning of Wednesday. In the latest update, the leak has been repaired and water would have started to be pumped into Riebeeckstad’s reservoirs, which were left empty due to the leak. 

OFM News