TZANEEN – The mechanical breakdown that disrupted operations at the Tzaneen Wastewater Treatment Works has been resolved, with the plant now fully operational, Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) Mayor Odas Ngobeni said during an oversight visit on Tuesday, September 8.

Ngobeni visited the treatment works to assess the plant’s operations and receive an update on measures taken to address recent challenges at the facility.

Pump station flooded during maintenance

The disruption followed a mechanical breakdown at the main pump station, which was subsequently flooded on June 14 during a scheduled four-week maintenance programme.

The incident affected several treatment processes and resulted in the accumulation of sludge in the primary settling tanks.

Mfanelo Manzini, who forms part of the treatment works management, said the team acted to restore the facility and continues to address outstanding mechanical, electrical and operational issues.

“The pump station was attended to immediately, and it took approximately five weeks to replace and refurbish the damaged pumps and motors. The treatment works is now operational, while the team continues working on the identified gaps to ensure that we close all possible loopholes,” said Manzini.

GTM disputes ‘raw sewage’ claims

The visit followed complaints that raw sewage had been flowing into the Letaba River. However, GTM clarified that the disruption temporarily affected the quality of the final effluent, making it non-compliant with required standards, but that it was technically inaccurate to describe the discharge as raw sewage being released directly into the river.

Ngobeni said the municipality was satisfied with the response from the treatment works management.

“We committed ourselves to being on the ground and working with our people to address sewage-related issues. We are here at the Tzaneen Wastewater Treatment Works following complaints of raw sewage flowing into the Letaba River, and we are satisfied with the response from management,” said Ngobeni.

He said the mechanical breakdown had been resolved.

“The detailed report has been shared with the Department of Water and Sanitation and logged into its system. We assure residents that our goal remains zero tolerance for sewage, particularly into our rivers,” he said.

Skip bin claims also dismissed

GTM also dismissed claims that skip bins were used to dispose of waste from the plant, explaining that the material removed was accumulated sludge.

The sludge was transferred to designated drying beds in line with established operational and sludge-management procedures.

Although the plant is operational, GTM acknowledged that it has not yet achieved full compliance. Maintenance teams are addressing this.