Between Harrismith and Verkykerskop in the Maluti-a-Phofung municipal area, the theft of diesel from Transnet's pipeline that runs from Durban to Johannesburg has resulted in diesel spills and thousands of litres of diesel are currently flowing straight into the Meul River.
The Meul River, in turn, runs into the Vaal Dam, which supplies millions of people and animals, including the entire Gauteng province, with drinking water.
The theft of diesel from the pipeline is a serious problem that occurs frequently.
Transnet is cooperating with farmers in the area as well as other role players to combat this type of crime by, among other things, installing security cameras along the pipeline – but theft continues to occur. The same measures are also used to try and apprehend the thieves.
The FF Plus is calling on law enforcement to see to it that the severest possible penalty is imposed on these offenders.
Theft from the pipeline is causing Transnet extensive damage and the diesel spills where thousands of litres are lost are a serious cause for concern, particularly at a time when the country and the whole world are facing possible shortages of mineral and energy resources.
The ecological disaster brought on by thousands of litres of diesel spilling into the river, due to leakages caused by theft, only makes matters worse.
The contaminated water is not suitable for human consumption and is on its way to poison one of the country's largest sources of potable water.
The FF Plus contacted the MEC for Environmental Affairs in the Free State, Mr Makalo Mohale, requesting his Department to urgently step in and stop the pollution of the Meul River. The MEC undertook to send a team to look into the pollution of the Meul River, caused by the diesel spills.
An official letter was also sent to the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Creecy, to bring this ecological disaster to her and the national Department's attention and request urgent intervention from their side.
Although Transnet is working on repairing the leakages, extensive damage has already been caused; so, the FF Plus will keep putting pressure on the various departments to prevent any further damage to water sources.
The offenders who apparently have no regard for humankind, animals, the environment or property must be duly prosecuted and punished.
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