Standerton Regional Court finds Lekwa guilty of polluting the Vaal River
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lekwa was found guilty on seven counts relating to failure to comply with conditions stipulated in the waste management licence and prohibition of unauthorised disposal of waste.
The Lekwa Local Municipality is guilty of polluting the Vaal River.
According to a statement dated June 22 from Sithi Silosini, a councillor of the DA in Lekwa, they welcomed the R70m fine the municipality received in the Standerton Regional Court for the contravention of an environmental legislation.
The municipality failed to comply with a court order instructing them to repair its sewerage plants to prevent polluting the river and other natural resources.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Lekwa was found guilty on seven counts relating to their failure to comply with conditions stipulated in the waste management licence and prohibition of unauthorised disposal of waste.
This issue of the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant polluting the Vaal River dates back to 2009.
According to Silosini, the affected parties have been raising concerns with relevant authorities in the municipality since then.
They approached the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for intervention, resulting in a criminal case being instituted.
It has further emerged the state and municipality entered into a plea agreement.
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The court proceedings discussed how the municipality’s negligence affected the rights of citizens as enshrined in Section 24 of the Constitution.
The municipality has agreed to put measures in place to deal with the matter and has also committed to prioritising the repairs needed to faulty equipment at the pump stations.
The court ordered they should channel the R70m fine for repairs.
They must submit the proof of expenditure and repairs to the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs.
The municipality has to fork out an additional R500 000 to the Department of Water Services and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) for liabilities incurred during the investigation.
“This indicates the municipality’s failure to adhere to ethical government practices has significantly contributed to its financial crisis,” the DA said.
“The DA hopes this ruling will send a message to CoGTA that Lekwa needs intervention. It is disappointing to note how different senior officials in this municipality have compromised the livelihoods of residents.”
