According to the department's spokesperson, Zandisile Luphahla, the department has been made aware of recent reports of sewage spills in the municipal area and stated that a team was sent to investigate.

OFM News recently reported that the drought-stricken town of Hondeklip Bay, among other towns, have reported recurring sewage spillages.  

"According to our observation, only debris was seen. There was no sewage flowing. What we are going to do is that next week we will ask the Department of Water and Sanitation to accompany us to visit the site and we will also be looking at possibilities of getting underground samples which will be sent to an accredited laboratory," says Luphahla.  

He further states, “We are hoping to work together with the municipality and the department so that we can take monthly samples of underground water resources which will be followed up with an independent monitoring company.”

This despite DA spokesperson, Veronica van Dyk, saying that mosquitoes and insects have started breeding at the sewage spills in the area. Moreover, these sewage spills may result in the possible contamination of the groundwater which would leave two towns without drinking water, says Van Dyk. She adds that it is crucial that the municipality ensures that these essential resources are attended to immediately.

The involvement of the Environmental Management Inspectors (Green Scorpions) is fundamental to the sustainability of these towns, says Van Dyk. Furthermore, she notes that the issue was reported to the Green Scorpions in 2020, however, the situation was deemed unamendable as the sewage had already desiccated. The Green Scorpions have commenced their investigations into the matter at hand.

Luphahla ends by saying that they will conduct all the necessary tests as they continue their investigations into the sewage spill claims.

OFM News/Lee Simmons