VEREENIGING. — A foul stench once again hangs over Vosloo Park in Three Rivers, where untreated sewage is flowing into the Klip River — despite a year-long sewer-line upgrade meant to solve the problem.

On Wednesday morning, the stream of sewage appeared to have stopped, but a large stagnant pool of effluent remained at the entrance to the park — a reminder of what residents describe as a recurring environmental disaster.

“It’s a disgrace — they must declare this an emergency”

Ward 1 committee member Mike Maxwell, who filmed several clips of the leak on 3 November, expressed frustration in a voice note sent to Vaalweekblad.

“Last week it was flowing into the Klip River at two places. They must declare this an emergency area. It’s a real safety hazard to everybody,” Maxwell said.

His footage shows brown water running through hand-dug channels straight into the river, and a marshland of sewage pooling inside the park where families once picnicked.

In another video, Maxwell can be heard saying:

“Look how the sewage is just lying here. It stinks. It’s a disgrace. The infrastructure is so badly damaged because of all these illegal developments. The system can’t take it anymore.”

Residents question whether the new system even works

For years, people living near Vosloo Park have complained that the leak dries up briefly, only to start flowing again weeks later. Vaalweekblad has reported on the same issue multiple times over the past decade.

One local resident recently asked on social media:

“Why is sewage still being pumped into the river? I walked past there this morning and saw a strong stream flowing into the Klip. Isn’t the new system supposed to fix this?”

Adding to the alarm, during a recent oversight visit, a dead fish was spotted floating on the surface of the nearby river — signalling possible environmental damage and contamination.

The ongoing pollution has left many questioning whether the new sewer-line project, launched more than a year ago, has achieved its purpose.

Municipality says installation not yet completed

The contractor responsible for the project recently announced that the upgrade was “nearing completion.”
However, residents say the sight — and the smell — tell a different story.

Ward 1 councillor Dalene Venter told Vaalweekblad that the work is still in progress and not yet connected:

“The installation has not been fully linked and put into operation. People’s facts are wrong. It is not being pumped into the river — it is overflowing there due to several blocked sewer lines.”

Venter added that municipal teams visited the nearby pump station on 5 November to attend to the issue.

Ongoing environmental concern

Despite these assurances, locals say the continuing leaks pose a serious health and environmental risk. The Klip River eventually flows into the Vaal River system — a key regional water source — and residents fear contamination could spread downstream.

“This isn’t just about the smell,” said one resident. “It’s about the health of everyone living near the river.”

Until the new system is fully operational, frustrated residents of Three Rivers say they are left to live with the stench — and the feeling that their suburb has been forgotten.