Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Ana Motaung.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Maluti-a-Phofung (MaP) welcomes the announcement of a contract to repair three of the MaP Waste Water Treatment Plants, which have been out of service for years. In particular, the Wilge Waste Water Treatment Plant, as raw sewage has been pouring into the Wilge River, polluting not only the Wilge River but ultimately the Vaal Dam as well. This comes after continuous DA pressure.
The collapse of all wastewater treatment plants has led to continued, unattended pollution of MaP rivers and waterways. Vaal Central Water Board will manage the project, and hopefully it will be a success.
We have been fighting for the repair and restoration of all seven Waste Water Treatment plants in the council and in the Free State Legislature for years now.
A recent report released by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found that MaP is in violation of Human Rights regarding environmental pollution and pollution of water resources.
Civil society groups and I also laid criminal charges against MaP for allowing this situation to persist.
We are hopeful that this latest development will finally resolve some of the megaliters of sewage that are daily pouring into our rivers and waterways.
The DA in MaP will continue to monitor the situation and hold the municipality accountable for any lapse in progress.