A sewage leak in Welverdiend has resurfaced, with untreated waste now again flowing directly into the Wonderfonteinspruit, raising concerns over environmental health and drinking water contamination downstream.

The leak originates from a manhole near 26th Avenue, the same area where raw sewage had been spilling into the river for more than a year before the Merafong City Local Municipality repaired it approximately three months ago.

However, during a site visit by the Herald on July 28, sewage was once again seen leaking from a manhole near the same street. By August 4, the situation had worsened, with increased volumes of sewage streaming into the river.

This time, the leak is coming from a different manhole located deeper in the veld, further away from public view. Officials and residents suspect it may have been leaking before, but the overflow went unnoticed due to overgrown weeds and tall grass.

Despite contacting the municipality on July 28, the Herald had received no response from the municipality’s communications manager, Temba Fezani, by the time of publication.

Water pollution risk for Potchefstroom

The Wonderfonteinspruit flows directly into the Mooi River, which is a key water source for Potchefstroom.

Residents are now calling for urgent intervention and accountability from the municipality.