South Africa
'Vaal River polluted beyond acceptable standards'─── 06:00 Thu, 18 Feb 2021
The Vaal River has been polluted beyond acceptable standards.
That's the finding of the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following an investigation into the sewage that's been spilling into the river.
It says the Vaal River must be declared critical infrastructure in order to protect it.
The commission says the river is threatening the ecosystem, with some fish facing extinction.
Furthermore, the river is said to pose a health hazard, not fit for human consumption.
The sewage spills have also played a role in the decrease of tourism and recreational activities near the river, denting the area’s struggling economy.
But as the SAHRC visits the Sebokeng Wastewater Treatment Plant, it hopes government will act on its recommendations to save the Vaal River.
The commission has asked for continued accountability, saying the municipality must hold officials responsible for wasteful expenditure.
It now wants national government to consider intervening in the running of the ailing and cash-strapped Emfuleni Municipality.
