In a letter to deputy minister of water and sanitation Sello Seitlholo, the party demands the immediate shutdown of the plant following an oversight visit on Tuesday (3/3). Serious concerns were raised during the visit about the plant’s compliance and operational status.

“It is alleged the facility does not hold a valid water use license and is not yet fully operational,” said Mahikeng DA councillor Arista Goosen. “If true, this means that any effluent discharged from the plant is unlawful, regardless of whether it is claimed to be treated.

“In terms of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), wastewater may only be discharged into a water resource if there is a valid license, the effluent meets prescribed chemical and biological standards, and regular testing is conducted to ensure compliance. Current indications suggest these requirements are not being met.”

During his August visit to the plant, Seitlholo highlighted years of poor infrastructure management and noncompliance with legislation. He emphasised the economic potential of the region’s water resources was being jeopardised by years of neglect of essential infrastructure.

The health of communities is at risk as residents have to live with sewage flowing through the streets and through the rivers and streams. “Everything depends on municipalities. If South Africa is to work, municipalities have to work.”

In this year’s state of the province address, the North West Premier stated that R1.9b has been set aside for ongoing bulk water supply projects in Madibeng, Ratlou, Mahikeng, and Ramotshere Moiloa local municipalities.

Prolonged dysfunction

The DA previously raised concerns about the prolonged dysfunction of both the Mmabatho and Mahikeng wastewater treatment plants. While it is understood that the Mahikeng plant resumed partial operations around November and refurbishment is ongoing, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that the discharged effluent is safe, said Goosen.

“The most recent Green Drop Report was released in 2022, raising further concerns about the absence of up-to-date, transparent water quality monitoring. The continued discharge of potentially non-compliant effluent poses a serious risk to the Molopo River, groundwater sources, surrounding ecosystems, and the health of local communities.”

The DA said it would request that the department invoke Section 19 of the National Water Act to prevent further pollution. This must include the temporary shutdown of the plant, the urgent completion of refurbishment works, and the implementation of measures to rehabilitate the Molopo River, said Goosen.

OFM News has sent an inquiry to the municipality.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs