By Jessica Nel | DA Councillor Matjhabeng Local Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Jessica Nel and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will urgently petition the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and environmental agencies to prioritise the immediate refurbishment of sewer pump stations and repair the dilapidated water infrastructure in Allanridge. This aims to address the escalating sewage crisis that has resulted in E. coli contamination of the Allanridge water reservoir, threatening public health and safety.
Despite repeated warnings, letters, and televised broadcasts led by DA Councillor Jessica Nel, the Matjhabeng Municipality has failed to act. The DA highlighted the crisis in 2023, but no action has been taken. It culminated in a municipal notice on 10 January 2025, confirming E. coli contamination in the water storage facility supplying Allanridge. As a temporary solution, the Vaal Central Water Board has isolated the affected facility and redirected the water supply through an alternative line.
The contamination stems from extensive leaks in the water infrastructure. Persistent low water pressure caused by ageing and damaged pipelines has enabled sewage infiltration, further exacerbated by the collapse of functioning sewage treatment systems. For years, Allanridge and Nyakallong residents have raised concerns about the murky, foul-smelling water, which has now become a confirmed health hazard.
This neglect puts the community at significant risk. E. coli infections can cause severe symptoms, including watery or bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly are particularly at risk. The environmental impact of sewage-filled dams and contaminated water bodies further threatens the area’s long-term sustainability.
The DA calls for swift, decisive action from the municipality. This includes prioritising the repair of sewer pump stations, conducting thorough water quality testing, and developing a transparent timeline for infrastructure restoration. Failure to address these issues will deepen the crisis, endangering residents’ health and worsening the environmental damage.
The DA will continue to pressure the responsible authorities to take accountability and ensure the community receives clean, safe drinking water as a fundamental human right.