Complaints streaming in about contaminated Leeuspruit in Sasolburg
"Service delivery in the town is at its lowest point ever. We as DA will pressure the municipality to resolve the situation as soon as possible," assured Barnard.
SASOLBURG – Residents are concerned about sewage running into the Leeuspruit.
Residents of the neighbourhood already complained about the problem to the city council and various council members for the first time in September 2023 but with no feedback or results.
Ina van der Vaart then decided to bring it to Vaalweekblad’s attention.
She took photos as proof of the raw sewage that spills out next to their neighbourhood and flows into the Leeuspruit.
“The stench is unbearable and creates a health hazard for us as residents,” says Ina.
The creek runs into the Vaal River which means that all residents along the river are also exposed to the contaminated water.
“In the meantime, work was done but the problem was not fixed permanently, because since December 2024 the problem has returned,” Ina stated.
The problem was again reported to the municipality and the DA councillor in the area.
“Until now, nothing has been done,” says Ina.
This is indeed a big problem for all the residents. Richard Douglas of Siegfried Kuschke Street reiterated Ina’s concern.
“The sewage overflows into the field which then runs into the creek and from there to the Vaal River. The matter has been reported to the municipality numerous times, but nothing has been done. It’s a health risk,” emphasises Richard.
More residents reached out to Vaalweekblad about the same problem.
DA’s feedback
Upon inquiry from Vaalweekblad, DA councillor Jacques Barnard responded to the issue.
According to Barnard, he had continuous contact with the civil engineer of the municipality last week. An excavator was said to be deployed on January 31 to dig open the pipe, which is believed to be more than 4m underground.
Councilor Frans van der Merwe also reported this to emergency services and the municipal manager.
“If a pipe that deep gives way, a lot of sand and stone washes down and blocks the entire line. People must remember that we as DA councillors can only report to and pressure the municipality. The municipality is governed by the ANC and EFF. The teams don’t even have vans to attend to daily problems.”
“Service delivery in the town is at its lowest point ever. We as DA will pressure the municipality to resolve the situation as soon as possible,” assured Barnard.
