Petition for rehabilitation of rivers affected by continuous sewer spillage by Mogale City Local Municipality

TO:

The Executive Mayor,

Mogale City Local Municipality

Civic Centre, Krugersdorp

AND

The Honourable MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,

Gauteng Provincial Government

AND

The Honourable Minister of Water and Sanitation,

Republic of South Africa

FROM:

Concerned residents, business owners, environmental organisations and property owners of Mogale City and surrounding areas

SUBJECT:

Petition for immediate intervention and rehabilitation of rivers affected by ongoing sewer spillage from Mogale City wastewater infrastructure.

1. Background and Ongoing Issue

For a sustained period, residents and businesses in and around Mogale City have been subjected to continuous sewer spillages contaminating local rivers and streams, including, but not limited to, the Tweelopie and Wonderfontein tributaries. These spillages result from failing municipal wastewater infrastructure, poor maintenance and inadequate response to public complaints.

2. Environmental and Health Impact

The affected rivers are visibly polluted, give off a foul stench and show signs of ecosystem collapse. Aquatic life has been severely diminished and surrounding vegetation contaminated. Residents and livestock relying on these water sources face potential exposure to harmful pathogens, posing severe public health risks.

3. Economic and Social Impact

Businesses operating near these water sources, such as tourism, hospitality and recreational establishments, or those that rely on the water supply, such as farming operations, have suffered significant financial losses. Property owners have experienced a decline in property value due to the pollution and associated risks. The constant sewage spills have eroded community well-being and dignity, infringing on residents’ constitutional right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being (Section 24, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996).

4. Legal Obligations of the Municipality and Relevant Authorities

Under the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998), all water resources must be protected, used, developed, conserved, managed and controlled sustainably. The National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) imposes a duty of care on every person, including organs of state, to prevent pollution and environmental degradation. The Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000) requires municipalities to ensure sustainable service delivery and maintain essential infrastructure. The ongoing sewer spillages constitute a clear breach of these statutory and constitutional obligations.

WE THEREFORE DEMAND:

– Immediate containment and cessation of all sewer spillages within Mogale City’s jurisdiction.

– An independent environmental assessment to determine the full extent of the damage to affected rivers and ecosystems.

– A comprehensive rehabilitation plan funded and implemented by the Municipality in collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation.

– Transparent reporting and public consultation on timelines, steps taken and progress.

– Accountability measures, including an investigation into municipal management failures leading to the spillages.

– The implementation of economic and social relief mechanisms for affected residents and businesses, including compensation or rate relief where applicable.

IN CONCLUSION:

We, the undersigned, call upon the above authorities to act urgently and decisively to restore the affected river systems, protect public health, and uphold constitutional and environmental rights.