Ongoing sewerage crisis in Virginia requires urgent intervention – AfriForum

AfriForum has requested the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to come up with a workable solution in the coming week to ensure that the residents of Kommando Avenue in Virginia no longer have to live with an unbearable sewerage blockage. The sewerage in the area has been clogging up monthly for the past three years. Although the blockage is cleared regularly, the pipeline is now clogged up every three days. The blockage is causing sewage to back up into homes and plots on a weekly basis.

“Residents are exposed to unbearable smells and significant health risks, which is simply unacceptable. The ongoing blockages infringe on people’s constitutional right to a healthy environment; therefore, the Municipality cannot ignore it any longer,” says Christa Ikking, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Highlands.

According to municipal workers, who have been clearing the blockage regularly, the problem is limited to the last three meters of the pipeline. Each time the blockage is cleared, large quantities of roots are removed. However, it has been repeatedly indicated that the pipe is likely broken, bent or collapsed. The only sustainable solution is to dig up and replace this section of the pipeline.

Municipal officials argue that the Municipality does not currently have the necessary resources to replace the section of the pipeline. Furthermore, the pipe is deep underground and requires specialised equipment for the repair work. According to Tladi Nkhobo of the Matjhabeng Municipality, the rental of tools and the appointment of contractors are subject to the Municipality’s Financial Recovery Plan.

“Residents have already presented various solutions to the Municipality, such as engaging with the Beatrix Mine (Sibanye-Stillwater) to provide possible assistance with the excavation and repair work, but no significant solution has yet been communicated to the community,” says Ikking.

In a letter to the Municipality, AfriForum highlighted that it is its duty in terms of Section 152 of the Constitution to deliver sustainable services and to promote a safe and healthy environment. The National Health Act 61 of 2003 and the applicable environmental health regulations further place a responsibility on local authorities to prevent health hazards, including sewage spills.

“The continued exposure to sewage spills violates residents’ right to dignity, health and a safe living environment. It is formally requested that the Municipality communicate a clear and feasible plan of action to the community, including time frames for permanent repairs and feedback on possible collaboration with the Beatrix Mine,” says Ikking.

AfriForum will continue to put pressure on the Municipality to address this environmental and health issue as soon as possible.

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