Price Street illegal dumping battle continues after sewage redirection

The sewage was redirected into its proper channel on the first week of December; however, the illegal dumping impact remains untouched.

January 9, 2026

Lucia Mudzanani 1 minute read

A part of the illegal dumping site on Price Street in Ward 17.

Residents of eMalahleni say their frustrations are far from over, even after authorities redirected the sewage that was flowing along Price Street into its proper channels.
While the immediate sewage hazard has been contained, the area remains plagued by illegal dumping, leaving residents exposed to unbearable odours, unsanitary conditions, and environmental damage.

When WITBANK NEWS visited the site in Ward 17 on December 3, raw sewage was spilling into a tributary across the R555. Municipal officials later intervened to redirect the flow back into the correct system. However, the sewage had already passed through a local dumping site, mixing with discarded waste.

“The sewage may have been redirected, but the dumping continues. The smell is unbearable, and the waste is piling up right where people pass by,” said a resident, Dirk van Niekerk.

Business owners along Price Street said the illegal dumping is driving customers away, as the stench and unsightly piles of refuse discourage people from visiting the area.

According to residents, the municipality’s failure to address the dumping problem is undermining any progress made in redirecting the sewage. Ward 33 Councillor Kim Fourie, who has been vocal about sewage contamination at Klipfontein Dam, warned that the dumping crisis is compounding the environmental risks.

Despite the Mpumalanga High Court’s recent R650 million fine against the municipality for sewage pollution, locals say illegal dumping remains unchecked, with no visible enforcement or clean-up efforts.

Community members are now demanding urgent action to clear the waste and enforce anti-dumping laws. They warn that without decisive measures, Price Street will continue to suffer from pollution, foul odours, and declining business activity.

Klipfontein Dam, once a popular spot for families, has been left to ruin. See the shocking state of the dam and join the conversation, share your thoughts and tag a friend who cares about our community
Read more here: https://t.co/OdJvCPEYcF #Emalahleni #Cleanup #Gatvol

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) February 1, 2025