The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has asked the Lekwa Local Municipality’s Municipal Manager for an urgent intervention in the ongoing sewage crisis in Standerton.
After receiving several complaints from businesses and residents, the party once again started pressuring the Municipality, which serves Morgenzon and Standerton.
In a grievance letter to the Municipal Manager, Mr Malosi Lamola, residents demand repairs to the sewage projects recently undertaken by the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) in Lekwa.
Millions have already been spent on upgrading the local sewage network. A new sewage line was also installed in Church Street, between Von Backström and Schwichardt Streets.
In spite of these upgrades, sewage still spills into the streets whenever it rains.
This is a reflection of poor planning, failed execution and a lack of proper oversight. It points to serious shortcomings in drainage and infrastructure integration.
The upgraded Muller sewage pump station, which was supposed to play a key role in resolving the town’s sewage problems, is not operational.
The pipeline between the Muller and Vaal pump stations, which was replaced, burst as soon as the pumps were switched on. As a result, there are several blockages in the town’s system and sewage is polluting the Vaal River.
One section of the sewage line in Krogh Street was replaced, which may have solved one business’s problems. But due to faulty connections and poor workmanship, it has resulted in damage and sewage problems for several other businesses located in Walter Sisulu Drive.
The abovementioned projects all form part of a national intervention that GSDM was supposed to execute.
The Freedom Front Plus will closely monitor this unacceptable situation in an effort to protect the ecosystem and the natural water sources in and around Lekwa against further damage.
Sewage pollution poses a serious health risk to residents and has a direct and detrimental impact on the town’s business operations.
