Raw sewage flows into Vaal River in Standerton
“It is the municipality’s responsibility to fix these problems, but currently there is only one TLB to handle all of these issues,” said Ward 8 councillor Alberto Franco.
Raw sewage has been leaking into the Vaal River for several weeks, with the source traced to an old toilet in Standerton’s Riverpark.
During a site visit to the Riverpark with Leon Enslin, AfriForum Standerton branch chairperson, a massive raw sewage leak was found draining directly into Standerton’s main water source.
The leak appears to originate from a lavatory block that has been unusable for years. According to Enslin, this leak is worsening the already poor state of Standerton’s water supply.
“Not only is the sewage standing, causing a foul smell in the area, but in certain parts it runs straight into the river,” he said.
Enslin added that this is just one example of how municipal mismanagement is harming the community.
Photo: Zell-Mari de Jager
“It is shameful that a public area is allowed to decay in this manner,” he concluded.
The Lekwa Local Municipality was asked to comment. Lubabalo Majenge, the municipality’s communications officer, confirmed the complaint and said: “We will send a team to work on it.”
However, when the Standerton Advertiser revisited the Riverpark on August 13, the leak was still flowing. Sewage continued to pollute the Vaal River.
“It is the municipality’s responsibility to fix these problems, but currently there is only one TLB to handle all of these issues,” said Ward 8 councillor Alberto Franco.
Franco explained that the ongoing service delivery failures stem from a shortage of machinery to address sewage, electricity, and waste problems. Majenge was again asked for an update but did not respond before publication.
