Concerned residents sent complaints to René Pohl, Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) DA ward councillor for the area after a stench was noticed by residents of Annecke Street in November 2021. Pohl took it upon herself to find the source of the stench and consulted with residents and an engineer in her efforts to find the reason.

She investigated several claims and explanations, i.e. that it is caused by sediment due to low dam levels, a venting problem, and a cap that was removed at the pump station. She repeatedly reported her findings to the GTM but the stench remained. Last Tuesday, after a resident contacted her saying that someone familiar with the dam saw where raw sewage is flowing into the dam, she donned her gumboots and investigated.

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Again, she shared this information with the relevant departments at the GTM in order to find a solution to this looming threat to the town’s drinking water and the wildlife in and around the dam. On Tuesday, August 2, it was confirmed by Vutivi Makhubela, GTM media liaison, that the problem was due to vandalism at the pump station. “The matter was attended to by our technicians and the pump station has been repaired,” said Makhubela.

“I hope that the problem of the sewage and stench will now be resolved,” said Pohl on Tuesday. The Herald will follow up on the story