Sewage dams in eMbalenhle pose a health risk
Three children drowned in sewage dams since 2018. There are also concerns that children will get ill if they swim in the polluted water.
Precious Soko, a social worker from eMbalenhle, is concerned about the health of children swimming in the polluted dams of Ext 22 in eMbalenhle. On her daily community visit on October 3, Soko noticed children swimming in a sewage-filled dam.
“This is concerning because not only are the children’s health at risk, but they risk their lives. This sewage water contains dangerous bacteria that can lead to contracting diseases. I want to know where are their parents.
“I asked the children from where they came and was shocked to hear some came as far as Ext 14, 15, 17 and the surrounding areas. We have previously experienced children drowning in eMbalenhle,” said Soko.
Paulos Thwala, a community leader in Azania informal settlement, said these sewage dams have been there since the beginning of Ext 22.
Thwala said the dams had to be filled with ash if the Govan Mbeki Municipality was serious about the well-being of children and the community.
“We always chase the children away, but they keep coming back to swim, especially now in summer.
“Three children have drowned in these sewage dams since 2018, but that did not stop the children from swimming in this green water,” said Thwala.
He also appealed to the parents to look after their children. Ridge Times spoke to one of the children swimming in the sewage-filled dam and asked if they realised the risk they put themselves in.
The boy said they used to go to the Sasol Recreation Club’s swimming pool, but since the pool was closed and replaced with tennis and volleyball courts, they don’t have a place to swim any more. This is why they use any place with water.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality spokesperson, Lucky Mhlongo, said the municipality would respond in the next publication as they were conducting their own investigations regarding the matter.
Nomia Machebe, manager of media and communications, said following consultations with the Sasol Recreation Club’s sports sub-sections, Sasol in 2016 resolved to close the swimming pool. Machebe said the decision was based on the structural challenges of the facility.
“Before the closure, attempts by Sasol to fix the pool structure did not yield the desired results. Subsequently, management decided to close it and construct multi-purpose facilities that would benefit the larger community of eMbalenhle.
“Sasol believes in creating a safer environment for communities. In line with our recreation development plans, there are no immediate plans to build a swimming pool at the eMbalehle Community Centre. We have recently completed a swimming pool in Kinross Community Centre,” said Machebe.
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