Who and what is AfriForum?

AfriForum is an Afrikaans civil rights organisation that protects the rights of minority groups at national as well as provincial level, and anyone who can identify with AfriForum’s principles and objectives may join the organisation. AfriForum’s community plan focuses on mobilising communities to thus take control of their own streets and neighbourhoods again. AfriForum ensures that your constitutional and civil rights are recognised and protected at national level.

Wie en wat is AfriForum?

AfriForum is ’n Afrikaanse burgerregteorganisasie wat die regte van minderheidsgroepe op sowel nasionale as provinsiale vlak beskerm, en enigiemand wat met AfriForum se beginsels en doelstellings kan identifiseer, mag by die organisasie aansluit. AfriForum se gemeenskapsplan fokus daarop om gemeenskappe te mobiliseer om só weer beheer terug te neem oor hul eie strate en woonbuurtes. AfriForum verseker dat jou grondwetlike én burgerregte op nasionale vlak erken en beskerm word.

Chlorine shortage at Bothaville wastewater treatment works poses public health risk, warns AfriForum

Chlorine plays an important role in disinfecting wastewater before treated effluent is released into the environment. A shortage of chlorine can compromise the effective treatment of wastewater and may pose a risk to public health, downstream water users and the environment.

This is why AfriForum raised the alarm after a recent visit to the Bothaville wastewater treatment works revealed that no chlorine was available for the disinfection process. The civil rights organisation has written to the Nala Local Municipality demanding answers regarding the situation.

“It is extremely concerning that an essential substance such as chlorine is not available at a municipal wastewater treatment works. Sewage management affects every resident, and the consequences of inadequate treatment can extend far beyond the boundaries of the plant. The Municipality has a responsibility to ensure that this infrastructure functions properly and that residents and the environment are not unnecessarily exposed to risks,” says Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Mooi River.

Among other things, AfriForum is demanding that the Municipality indicate how long the plant had been without chlorine, why the shortage occurred and whether chlorine has since been obtained. The organisation also wants to know what alternative disinfection measures have been implemented and whether treated or partially treated effluent was released during this period. In addition, AfriForum has requested laboratory results, including results for E. coli or faecal coliforms where applicable.

“We cannot wait until large-scale pollution occurs or disease outbreaks take place before action is taken. Prevention and proper maintenance must be the norm. AfriForum will therefore follow up on this matter closely,” adds Pretorius.

Should it appear that untreated or inadequately treated effluent was discharged into the environment, AfriForum reserves the right to refer the matter to the Department of Water and Sanitation and other relevant authorities.

Get involved with AfriForum’s Bothaville branch and neighbourhood watch and help keep your community safe. Contact CP Scheepers on 079 717 3830 to join the branch and Dolf Meyer on 073 810 9568 to join the neighbourhood watch.