GRASKOP – The effect of another 320 households on the town’s already overloaded sewerage system spells disaster, according to the local business chamber, the DA and civil rights group, AfriForum.
“Currently the system can only process up to one megalitre of waste water per day, but has more than 1,2 megalitre pumped into it. This results in sewage spills into the Mac Mac River, which already contains unacceptably high levels of the E coli bacteria,” says resident and local DA councillor, Mr Johan Ligthelm.
He is concerned about the possible effect that another 170 low-cost housing in the so-called Chinese project, and a further 200 RDP houses will have on the already taxed system.
This grievance is shared by AfriForum representative, Mr Brendan Traille who says his organisation has requested a copy of the environmental impact assessment for the Chinese housing project from Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM) more than a month ago, but has not had any response regarding this to date.
“We want to know if any consideration was given to the services and a budget made available to enlarge the plants.” The DA has resolved to add the upgrade of the waste-water treatment plant to next year’s integrated development plan, so as to ensure that the process starts as soon as possible.
TCM’s official spokesperson, Mr Themba Sibiya, could not be reached for comment. The houses constructed by the Chinese government for TCM will be sold for approximately R155 000 each. The home will be fully equipped with security features, gardens, built-in cupboards, large geysers, fitted bathrooms and kitchens.
Traille says it has also come to his attention that the storm water for this new development will be directly relayed to a nearby gorge, located within a nature reserve. Inkomathi Catchment Management Agency has responded that a team will be sent to the site to inspect possible contamination of water resources.
