According to Afriforum district coordinator, Chris Morgan, the civil rights organisation hastily assisted community members with the submission of the court order against the municipality for failure to rectify sewage spills.

Morgan says that the success of the application led to the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein granting an interdict against the municipality.

Morgan says that the court ordered the municipality to prevent any sewage spills that specifically affects Wilge River and that the municipality must see to it that continuous maintenance is done and repairs are done to sewerage systems, as well as ensuring that the municipality settles any outstanding debt with Eskom.

Furthermore, the municipality has been forced to supply the applicant’s attorneys with a biweekly progress report.

Moreover, failure to provide a biweekly report on progress and perform the necessary duties in terms of the court order allows the Applicant to approach the court for further mitigation, assures Morgan.

He adds that, “the municipality acknowledged that they are aware of their constitutional obligation to prevent sewage spillage and maintain the system. The community was nevertheless compelled to approach the court as a result of sewage entering the Wilge River for weeks on end. The fact that the municipality must report to the community bimonthly for the next six months regarding the progress in terms of the court order, simply confirms the important reviewing role of communities when it comes to municipal service delivery.”

Morgan says that the court order carries weight, especially for the community members of Frankfort. “It is essential for the community to obtain interim migration whilst the main service delivery application is still pending,” asserts Morgan.

He ends by conveying their support towards the community and is grateful that they were able to assist the community to mitigate the unwelcome issue.

“Illegal sewage spillage not only contains a health risk for the community, but the damage it causes to the environment and important eco systems is unacceptable,'' says Morgan.

OFM News/Lee Simmons