This is after Hoedspruit SAPS had initially refused to open a case lodged by the DA on MDM’s failure to maintain the town’s sewage system resulting in sewage spills flowing through a local school ground and polluting a perennial river in the Raptors Wildlife Estate. “I was informed of the case being opened and the name of the investigating officer on October 19,” said Marie Helm, the DA Limpopo deputy leader.

“The investigating officer indicated that he had already visited the offices of the MDM and has requested the municipality to arrange a meeting so that he can obtain the statements from implicated officials. “The pollution is contrary to the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Environmental Management Act,” Helm said.

Also read: Hoedspruit Saps allegedly refuse to open case against MDM

She said officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) found that the investigation further confirmed that the containment of raw sewer within the pump station for disposal at Drakensig Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) was commenced without authorisation. “It is therefore urgent to hold the municipality to account and enforce the applicable laws,” she said.

She said that the municipality must give urgent attention to the rehabilitation of the environment and that the homeowners association of Raptors must receive compensation for the emergency rehabilitation. The emergency rehabilitation was done to prevent serious illnesses due to the raw sewage and to prevent further water, groundwater, and soil pollution.

Also read: Hoedspruit’s sewage system in disrepair

She said that another spill took place at the main gate of the Hoedspruit Air Force Base which was so severe that the gate was closed for two weeks due to the bad smell. “It is clear that sanitation infrastructure is collapsing due to mismanagement by MDM.”

The DA will closely monitor developments around these sewage spills to ensure that maintenance and repairs are done to the system and there is rehabilitation of areas affected by raw sewage,” she said. Herald contacted MDM spokesperson, Odas Ngobeni, who said that the municipality has repaired the sewage leakage and that he cannot comment on the criminal case as it is ongoing.