Waterval Forum bemoans the poor state of pump stations in GMM
AfriForum investigates towns in area.
AfriForum is concerned about pump stations in the Govan Mbeki municipal area.
This organisation’s chairperson, Jan du Plessis, addressed this issue during a recent Waterval Forum meeting, held in Secunda.
He said the state of pump stations in the area does not look good.
The pump station on the R546 road between Standerton and Secunda, near the Charlie 5 gate, is not operational.
Du Plessis said he reported the defect several times since December 2021.
“This is a serious issue as this sewage flows through farming grounds, making the soil useless to the farmer,” said Du Plessis.
“The farmer cannot keep cattle or other animals in the area because of the health risks for the animals. This sewage also affects users downstream, up to the Vaal Dam.”
According to Du Plessis, the pump station was vandalised and its copper cables stolen.
“It was reported at the police and the Secunda police currently investigate the incident. Govan Mbeki Municipality will have to improve its security measures at all their infrastructure.
“The pump station in Echo Street, Secunda, overflows during peak hours. This problem has been reported to the municipality multiple times, without success.
“The residents living near this pump station have a fly infestation, which makes it impossible for them to open the doors or windows at their houses,” said Du Plessis.
Another pump station on the R546 road, near Evander, has been not operational for more than two years.
Du Plessis said he has been reporting it continuously, without success.
“The dam at Evander is deteriorating very fast because of an inflow of sewage from overflowing manholes.
“This is becoming a health risk for residents using the park with their children playing there.”
ALSO CHECK: AfriForum fights against illegal dumping in the Govan Mbeki municipal area
Du Plessis also inspected pump stations in Kinross, Evander, Leandra, Lebohang, eMbalenhle, Trichardt, Thistle Grove and Afghanistan.
He found most of the pump stations are not 100% operational and had many maintenance problems.
At some of these pump stations, there are no pumps or motors left, because someone has vandalised them.
The Ridge Times asked the two spokespersons of Govan Mbeki Municipality, Donald Green and Lucky Mhlongo, for comment, but they did not reply at the time of going to print.
