Pollution in the Cradle raises international eyebrows

The international community is concerned about the pollution of rivers caused by malfunctioning water waste treatment plants, particularly rivers in the Cradle of Humankind.

The Krugersdorp News was invited by Unicef to visit some of these malfunctioning waste facilities on April 24, in the Cradle of Humankind.

These concerns were raised during a site visit by representatives of the US Embassy on a tour led by Mariette Liefferink of The Federation for a Sustainable Environment, together with Amanda de Lange who is a member of parliament and also a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Numerous other experts in the field were also present.

“Turning a blind eye towards the malfunction of water waste treatment works in the West Rand not only jeopardises underground water resources in the Cradle of Humankind but also poses a health hazard to communities in the area,” said Herina Hamer of the provincial legislature.

Water specialist Quintin Paulse added, “A major issue of concern on the West Rand is the contamination of water resources in the vicinity of the Cradle, the latter which can be directly attributed to the malfunction of water waste treatments.”

According to Hamer, during the visit, it was also indicated that irrespective of the fact that several directives for non-compliance have been issued by the Department of Environmental Affairs to the municipality, there has been no improvement due to the apparent lack of funding and proper management.

Paulse added that untreated raw sewage flows directly from the Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Works into the Tweelopiespruit River, passing through the Cradle of Humankind and finally flowing into the Hartbeespoort Dam. Inadequately treated wastewater effluents harm the receiving environment and subsequently, several water resources are exposed to regular extreme fluctuations in microbial and chemical qualities as a result of the variety of activities on the water body.

“The problem is further aggravated by residents from informal settlements along the stream that use water from this source for domestic purposes, as well as children crossing the stream on route to farm schools, exposing them daily to the danger of E. coli. The river, picnic spots and restaurants downstream are also severely affected by the terrible stench and serious health threat. This situation created by Mogale City Local Municipality negatively influences the already crippled tourism and hospitality industry all situated downstream,” Trevor Brough of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site Association said.

“Provincial and even national intervention is therefore urgently required to address this environmental and humanitarian crisis,” said Hamer.

According to MCLM communication officer Refilwe Mahlangu, several efforts to address spillages are underway.

She further revealed the full status of Percy Stewart and collaborative interventions which will be disclosed to the public in follow-up articles as it is quite extensive.

“Although the municipality is struggling with vandalism of infrastructure at this plant which affects progress as also mentioned recently, work to address the pollution is ongoing. The municipality is also prioritising sewage pump stations to address sewage spillage from the Munsieville side into Percy Stewart and the Blaaubankspruit thence the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.”

She added a service provider has since been appointed to tackle ailing water sewage pump stations in March this year.

After the appointment, the following has happened, according to MCLM:

• There were delays in the project handover
• Delays were primarily due to extensive negotiations between the municipality and the appointed service provider to ensure that proposed rates align with market-related pricing. This approach not only demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to stringent contract management but also guarantees value for money for both the municipality and its ratepayers
• Recognising the urgency of the situation, both the municipality and the service provider have agreed to prioritise primary requirements to allow the service provider to immediately commence work while negotiations for all other minor items are ongoing
• The handover of the Munsieville Ext 4 Sewage Pump Station to the contractor took place on April 25

Mahlangu concluded, “A detailed media statement on the Munsieville Sewage Pump Station will be issued next week.”