Rooisloot River sewage crisis sparks DA intervention

MOKOPANE – Last Monday, the DA conducted an oversight visit to the Rooisloot River near Mahwelereng following complaints from residents about ongoing raw sewage spillages.

“Our team discovered that the main cause of this crisis is dilapidated and neglected sewage infrastructure,” said Thandi Mpanyane. She explained that untreated sewage is flowing directly into the river, posing serious health risks, damaging the environment and contaminating water sources that feed into the Mogalakwena River.

“The DA is deeply concerned by the lack of urgency from the municipality in addressing this matter. Residents deserve clean water, a safe environment, and reliable infrastructure, and not excuses,” she added.

Mpanyane confirmed that the DA has escalated the issue, sending a formal letter to municipal manager Morris Maluleka on September 16, though no response had been received at the time of going to print.

The municipality acknowledged receipt of the letter on September 17.

“The health and dignity of our people cannot be compromised. Those responsible must be held accountable, and urgent steps must be taken to repair this failing infrastructure,” Mpanyane stressed.