Sewage in Ratanda raises health and environmental concerns
Residents of Ratanda have raised the alarm over recurring sewage spills, foul smells and alleged water contamination, with concerns that polluted wastewater is flowing into the Blesbokspruit.
Residents of Ratanda have raised serious concerns over ongoing sewage spills that they say are creating health hazards and polluting nearby water sources.
The concerns were raised following a visit to the Obed Nkosi RDP housing development on August 18 by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom, who said he had been approached by concerned residents about the situation.
According to Bloom, residents reported daily sewage spills caused by an overloaded sewerage system. He said pools of wastewater had formed in the area, with sewage flowing towards the Blesbokspruit.
Residents told Bloom that the situation has resulted in a persistent foul smell and concerns over possible contamination.
He further claimed that E. coli had been detected in borehole water, forcing residents to use costly filtration systems before the water can be consumed.
Community leaders reportedly told Bloom that they had repeatedly approached Lesedi Local Municipality to request repairs to the sewerage infrastructure, but were allegedly informed that there was no budget available to address the problems.
The pollution has also raised wider environmental concerns, as the Blesbokspruit flows into the Suikerbosrand River before eventually joining the Vaal River.
Other parts of Ratanda are also reportedly affected, with residents alleging that sewage regularly flows through streets and into homes.
During his visit, Bloom met Mrs Primrose Thokwane in Hlatshwayo Street, where she reportedly showed him a sewage spill affecting her property. According to Bloom, Thokwane said the problem had persisted for more than 40 years despite repeated appeals to the mayor and councillors.
A petition submitted by residents of Sgodiphola Section also details the impact of recurring drain blockages on the community.
Bloom said the situation required urgent intervention and that his department would assess whether further legal action should be considered.
“I have instructed my department to assess whether criminal charges should now be laid against Lesedi Local Municipality, as this is an intolerable situation that should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
Heidelberg Nigel Heraut has approached Lesedi Local Municipality for comment on the allegations, including the reported sewage spills, infrastructure challenges, alleged E. coli contamination and claims that there is no budget to address the problem.
