Sewage pollution causes major disruption
Many residents fear contamination of local drinking water as a sewage pond across from the Dan Tloome Mega City development remains stagnant.
A large sewage spill at the Dan Tloome Mega City Project development has raised serious concerns about contamination, prompting the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) to seek a solution.
In 2022, Dan Tloome experienced a pump station failure that caused several blockages in the sewer system. As pipelines overflowed, sewage entered a stormwater pipe. To prevent further contamination, the pipe was broken, and a hole was dug to contain the sewage in one place.
• Also read: ‘Our water turned green’: Residents near Dan Tloome beg for action after years of sewage leaks
Residents express frustration
During a community gathering on October 22, residents voiced their frustration over the ongoing problem.
JP de Beer, chairperson of AfriForum’s Randfontein branch, said the municipality was aware of the issue. He confirmed that water samples he tested showed the presence of bacteria, including faecal matter.
“Faecal matter at this volume is very dangerous,” he emphasised.
De Beer also referred to an ongoing court case in which the municipality was sued for R10m over water pollution. The court ordered the municipality to pay R3m and use the remainder to upgrade the town’s water and sewage systems. At the time, former AfriForum Randfontein chairperson Matiam van Vuuren reported the spillages to the police.
In addition to the lawsuit, the municipality remains in debt to Rand Water. In 2023, Rand Water identified RWCLM as owing more than R400m in arrears.
Resident Johannes Motlhamme criticised the municipality for failing to address the damage.
“They are collecting our tax money, and they receive an annual budget. What are they doing with the money?” he asked.
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Cattle owner Anthony Mkhize said several of his animals had died after grazing near the sewage pond.
Resident Charmain Kemp urged the municipality to settle its debt with Rand Water. She added that Dan Tloome residents regularly face water outages and must carry water from a borehole to meet daily needs.
• Also read: Sewage nightmare turns dam black
Possible solutions
The development’s social facilitator, Zongezile Mzimena, addressed the gathering.
“The Finsbury reservoir experiences challenges which put the water supply at Dan Tloome under pressure. We paid for the last pump that broke at the reservoir. We are now looking to partner with the municipality to fix the development’s pressure pumps,” he explained.
Municipal spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa was contacted for comment on October 23. He acknowledged receipt of the request, but no feedback has been provided at this time.
