Sewage stink a concern for residents
Moutse residents in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) fear for their health as an unattended sewerage pipe continues to spill waste into Moses River, from which most people and livestock are dependent for drinking water.
LIMPOPO – The residents claim the overhead sewerage pipe that crosses the river, which downstream is being used for drinking water and feed livestock, has been problematic for years.
Seun Mogotji, Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA) leader, an opposition in EMLM Council, said as a party they have complained about the unhealthy situation on more than one occasion but Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) has done nothing to address the problem, endangering people’s lives.
Mogotji alleged the district council has ignored the problem reported from previous meetings with the provincial water board, an instruction issued that it was an obligatory duty and a requisite of the district council, which is responsible for water, to check quality of water frequently.
The BPSA leader added the situation was worsened by a manhole in close proximity to the river, handling sewage effluent, which flows into the river when it overflows, making it even more dangerous for human consumption.
He further said as a party they have now reached a dead end in trying to solve the problem and appealed for the matter to be attended urgently.
“There is no water in the area and people are dependent on the water from the river. People’s health is being put in serious danger as nothing is being done by the authorities,” added Mogotji.
He concluded the party was considering accelerating the matter to the Department of Water Affairs for attention.
Attempts to get comment from Sekhukhune District Municipality were not successful at the time of going to press.
SDM Spokesperson, Willy Mosoma’s phone rang unanswered and he had not responded to SMS’ from CV on whether the district municipality was aware of the problem and what it is doing to address the matter.
