High E. coli levels reportedly found in Letaba River
The DA will lay further criminal charges after independent tests found high E. coli levels in water discharged from Tzaneen's wastewater plant.
TZANEEN – The DA says it will lay further criminal charges against the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) after laboratory tests it commissioned allegedly found high levels of E. coli in water discharged from the municipality’s wastewater treatment system into the Letaba River.
The party says samples collected from three sites outside the wastewater treatment plant on August 27 were analysed by an independent laboratory and classified as Class IV, with E. coli levels of>2420 per 100ml.
The DA says the results raise serious concerns about faecal contamination and the quality of water entering the Letaba River.
GTM previously denied discharging raw sewage
The development follows GTM’s recent denial that the Tzaneen wastewater treatment plant was discharging raw sewage directly into the river.
GTM previously said a mechanical breakdown at a pump station, followed by flooding on June 14, had disrupted several treatment processes. The municipality acknowledged that the quality of its final effluent had temporarily failed to meet applicable requirements, but said it was technically incorrect to describe the discharge as raw sewage.
DA: Results warrant further investigation
The DA, however, maintains that the latest laboratory results warrant further investigation.
DA Limpopo spokesperson for CoGHSTA Jacques Smalle said the party would lay another criminal charge against GTM, in addition to charges it laid in April 2024 over alleged sewage overflows and river contamination.
The party is calling for authorities to investigate the source and extent of the alleged pollution, as well as its potential impact on the environment and communities downstream.
Letaba River a vital water source
The Letaba River is an important water source in the region, including for communities and agricultural activities.
The DA previously called for the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene at the Tzaneen wastewater treatment plant, citing concerns about the condition of the facility and the need for urgent rehabilitation.
The latest allegations are likely to increase pressure on GTM to address the plant’s reported compliance problems.
The Herald intends to ask GTM for a response to the latest laboratory results or the DA’s announcement of further charges. The response will be published as soon as it is received.
