BETHAL – The town’s sewage problems and sewerage infrastructure are in a bad irreversible state.
It has become unbearable for residents and business owners.
According to Ms Mariaan Chamberlain, DA councillor, both the pumps at the Mark Street pump station are not working.
“One of the pumps is underwater and the other is cracked. No maintenance is done, but there is also no money to have anything fixed. The sewage from that pump station is flowing into the Blesbokspruit. Because the pump station is being bypassed, sewage overflows from manholes like on the corner of Percy de Kock and Louis Trichardt Street.”
Mr Tonny Mabizela, DA councillor, said that the sewerage infrastructure of Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) is in a horrid state.
He added: “The DA conducted an oversight visit in eMzinoni, where a resident has been battling with raw sewage streaming into her yard and house since 2003.”
The DA also opened a case at the South African Commission (SAHRC) against the municipality for human rights contraventions.
“The latest SAHRC report noted in a council meeting on 29 July, details severe cases of raw sewage flooding the streets of the municipality.
“Despite the fact that the ANC-led council took note with apparent concern, an oversight visit to Bethal and eMzinoni revealed that nothing was done since the release of the report to alleviate the concern of residents.”
Several farmers have been complaining, because their cattle can not drink from the stream anymore.
Blesbokspruit is contaminated with sewage.
“Apart from the gross violation of human rights, the natural environment is also affected by constant manhole overflows and sewer pump stations that are contaminating freshwater streams in the municipality.”
Despite the many complaints regarding the sewage situation, GMM did not and still does not reply to any of the Ridge Times’ queries.
Some good news has however surfaced in the region.
Ms Chamberlain added a post to one of her Facebook pages mentioning that GMM bought a suction or jet truck.
She said: “Some good news for a change.
Some months ago GMM bought a Suction or Jet monster. However, it is only now operational.
During our visits to Bethal the DA realised how bad the sewage spills in Bethal and eMzinoni are.
“My colleague, Mr Tonny Mabizela and I drove this dilemma through our portfolio committee.
“The pump stations are not operational so sewage is bypassed into the Blesbokspruit.
“However, the monster truck will be operating in Bethal as from 28 August.
“Please keep us updated where you have main sewers overflowing.”
Again e-mails were sent to GMM with no response received.
Mr Benzi Soko, chief of staff at GMM, replied on a WhatsApp in which he refers the matter so someone else.
Still, no comment was received.
Mr Mabizela added: “We will also submit a question to Executive Mayor, Thandi Ngxonono regarding the horrific state of the sewerage infrastructure in GMM.”
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/144491/bethal-mag-min-water-maar-het-genoeg-riool/
