An unbearable stench and a sewage-filled swamp are polluting the area and surrounding land in and near Ext 8 along the R50, across from the Standerton Correctional Services.

According to residents, the situation is caused by a non-operational pump station that has reportedly not been pumping for several months.

Sewage is gushing from drains, while workers have dug trenches to divert the overflow around the pump station. Residents are concerned that the sewage is flowing into nearby streams and dams.

These streams flow from dam to dam and eventually into the Vaal River and Vaal Dam, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact of the sewage on surrounding water systems.

The stench from the overflowing sewage is reportedly unbearable for farmers and residents living near the pump station.

Residents say municipal workers are being subjected to what appears to be an unhygienic and potentially hazardous working environment.

They are concerned that the situation poses a health hazard not only to personnel working at the site, but also to people living in the surrounding area.

There are further concerns about the impact on wildlife and birdlife in the area.

According to residents, the overflowing sewage and problems with the pump station have been ongoing for several months, if not years, and Lekwa Municipality is reportedly aware of the situation.

“The smell is unbearable. On a clear day, we cannot open our windows or doors because of the smell,” said a resident, who added that an oily substance can be seen floating on the dams on clear, calm days.

“When it rains, it creates an even bigger problem,” the resident said.

He pointed out the trenches dug to divert the overflow of sewage coming from the pump station.

“They just make a way to get the overflow sewage out of the pump station. The sewage is even flowing into the stormwater drains. Trenches meant for overflow stormwater are riddled with overflow of raw sewage.

“This has not been a problem since yesterday; it has been for years,” he alleged.

The resident also raised concerns about the impact on birdlife.

“A goose is nesting here; she had one chick, but by the next morning it was dead. We previously had cattle but had to get rid of them because of fear that they were falling ill.”

At the site, the Standerton Advertiser journalist met with AfriForum’s Leon Enslin, who said he had personally reported the matter to the municipality’s water and sanitation management.

“Their excuse is that there are processes they have to go through regarding quotations and contractors to replace the pump,” said Enslin.

He claims that two submersible pumps at the pump station are out of order.

“The municipality cannot see the problem because the pumps are submerged in the water,” Enslin alleged.

Enslin also raised concerns that the overflow of sewage into the streams poses a danger to wildlife and birdlife and potentially runs into neighbouring dams across the railway line next to Goldi Farm. Waiting for Lekwa Municipality’s comment