DA calls for urgent intervention at Tzaneen sewage plant
The DA says the Tzaneen wastewater treatment plant has been out of operation for four months, with raw sewage flowing into the Letaba River.
TZANEEN – In a statement released this afternoon, the DA is calling for urgent intervention at the Tzaneen wastewater treatment plant, alleging that the facility has been out of operation for more than four months and that raw sewage is entering the Letaba River.
The DA made the call after a delegation conducted an oversight visit to the plant, which the party says is in a severe state of disrepair.
R2.2m needed for rehabilitation
According to the DA, the plant’s inlet works are not operating and require two new mechanical screens, water wash screws, a conveyor and compactor. The de-gritting system also needs to be refurbished and upgraded.
They estimate that at least R2.2 million would be required to rehabilitate the facility, but claim the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) does not have the financial capacity to undertake the work.
Raw sewage flowing into Letaba River
“Sewage was being loaded into skip bins during its visit, while raw sewage was also flowing through the treatment system and into the Letaba River,” says Jacques Smalle, Limpopo spokesperson for CoGHSTA.
DA calls on DWS to fund emergency repairs
The DA wants the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to fund emergency rehabilitation and appoint an implementing agent to repair, operate and maintain the plant.
Smalle said the situation required urgent action, warning of the potential consequences for communities and the region’s agricultural economy if the problems were not addressed.
“The Letaba River is an important water source for communities and the agricultural sector in the region and feeds into storage facilities including the Tzaneen Dam.”
Criminal charges previously laid
The DA previously laid criminal charges against GTM in April 2024 over alleged sewage overflows and river contamination.
“Following the criminal charges, the GTM made some cosmetic upgrades, but is still not complying with the directives issued by DWS, which is delaying criminal proceedings.”
It further criticised previous interventions by provincial CoGHSTA, saying they had failed to resolve problems at dysfunctional wastewater treatment plants across Limpopo.
Smalle said the DA would ask DWS to intervene and provide the necessary funding and technical support.
