After an oversight visit to the Homevale wastewater plant by the DA, a call went out for experts from other provinces to come in and repair it. The inspection from DA members brought to light that only one line at the plant is functional.

“The bigger line, which employees started cleaning last year, is only half cleaned and still not operational. The aerator bed is also not working and is undergoing cleaning,” said DA councillor, George Joseph.

Homevale Waste Water Pump. Picture supplied

The DA councillor also brought to light that the sewage water continues to flow into the neighbouring Kamfers Dam. The dam, well-known for its flamingo population, has since seen fewer animals due to the sewage flow into the dam.

In mayor Kagisho Sonyoni’s plans last year, he mentioned that one of the issues he’d like to tackle would be the Homevale wastewater plant and he had already started working on it.

“We are already hard at work at the sewerage plant. Faulty pumps were taken out and sent away for repairs. One railway line is no longer under water, and the body of water is starting to move away from the N12,” said Sol Plaatje municipal mayor, Kagisho Sonyoni.

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“It is increasingly clear that Sol Plaatje does not possess the political will or the requisite skills to address the chronic shortcomings at the plant, which does not even have a supervisor, subsequent to him going on retirement. Employees on site are pleading for help, amidst a lack of expertise and funding, to get the plant working,” added DA Councillor, George Joseph.

The DA is also calling for the municipality to seek assistance from other provinces to improve its operation as they believe it has the potential infrastructure for a well-run waste works set-up.

“There are municipalities, with similar plants, that are functioning properly. With the necessary guidance and professional help, we can develop a practical plan and get hands-on assistance to get the Homevale plant working again.”

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“I have spoken to the Water and Sanitation Engineer and based on his response, the DA will draw up a proposal on how and where we can source assistance, taking into consideration that Sol Plaatje currently does not have a budget for repairs or refurbishments of any of Sol Plaatje’s sewerage plants and pump stations, all of which are currently not operational.”

OFM News has requested a comment from Sol Plaatje Municipality and is awaiting feedback.

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony mvh/cg