Viljoenskroon submerged in sewage after SAHRC addressed the same issue years ago
After AfriForum reported the Moqhaka Local Municipality to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in 2022 over sewage flowing through parts of Viljoenskroon, the problem has seemingly resurfaced. AfriForum has now called on the Executive Mayor to address the latest sewage spill between Rammulotsi and Viljoenskroon before the civil rights organisation approaches the SAHRC again.
According to Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Mooi River, raw sewage is flowing into a field near the Rammulotsi area. Residents are forced to walk through the sewage, while livestock are drinking the contaminated water.
“The sewage exposes young children, elderly residents and livestock to life-threatening diseases such as E. coli, and attracts insects and rodents that may, in turn, spread other diseases. The presence of this sewage violates residents’ right to a safe, healthy and dignified living environment,” says Pretorius.
“The same problem was reported to the SAHRC several years ago and was resolved at the time only after considerable pressure. The fact that residents are once again being exposed to these appalling conditions points to serious shortcomings in the Municipality’s ability to carry out proper maintenance.”
Pretorius points out that, in terms of Section 24 of the Constitution, everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Local authorities therefore have a constitutional duty to provide basic municipal services in an efficient, sustainable and accountable manner.
AfriForum therefore demands that the Municipality indicate, without delay, what steps are being taken to resolve the problem and what measures are planned to limit the health and environmental risks, both now and in the future.
“Communities cannot be forced to live among raw sewage every day. AfriForum will continue to act on behalf of residents until this problem has been properly resolved. AfriForum will not hesitate to approach the SAHRC again, engage with the relevant authorities or consider possible legal action should the Municipality fail to address this matter urgently,” says Pretorius.
