Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hessie Shebe and Sesotho soundbite by David Masoeu MPL. See attached pictures here, here, here and here.
The DA will write to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the Free State about raw sewage spillages in Bethulie caused by ageing sewerage infrastructure and failing pumps.
The Perdekamp and Vergenoeg pump stations are again non-functional, despite R4.7 million having been spent on refurbishing the pump stations and related infrastructure over the past few years.
Sewage leaks are widespread across Bethulie, and houses in Lephoihavhaven have been evacuated because of massive sewage spills.
The municipality has acknowledged that ageing infrastructure is a key contributor to the problem and that the high cost of replacing the entire system makes a comprehensive solution difficult. It is seeking additional funding through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) and Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to address the ongoing sewerage challenges.
While the DA recognises the need for additional funding, residents cannot continue to bear the consequences of failing infrastructure. The municipality must prioritise urgent repairs, ensure that available resources are used effectively and provide a clear plan to prevent further spillages.
The DA has also called for accountability through questions in the Free State Legislature, seeking clarity on:
- What work was completed, at what cost, and by which contractors?
- Were the upgrades completed on time?
- How much funding was allocated, spent and left over?
- Were contractors paid only for verified work?
- Were procurement rules followed, and were any deviations authorised?
See the answers here and here.
The continuing sewage leaks and blockages pose a serious health risk to residents and threaten the surrounding natural environment. Substantial amounts of raw sewage are spilling into the Orange River catchment area, exposing livestock to disease and placing local livelihoods at risk.
For the wellbeing of Bethulie residents and the surrounding communities, urgent action is needed to contain the spills, repair the failing infrastructure and prevent further contamination.
Following DA complaints, the Xhariep District Municipality and the National Department of Water and Sanitation have launched investigations into the spills. The DA will continue to press for accountability and effective intervention to ensure that the crisis is addressed.
On 4 November, residents of Bethulie and across Kopanong must unite behind a strong DA to Get Kopanong Working For All.