A cholera outbreak in Bloemfontein is a real threat with eight out of nine wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in the Mangaung Metro functioning well below capacity, and six not working at all.
This is of great concern following the cholera outbreak in other parts of the Free State.
Leona Kleinhans, DA member in the Free State Legislator, says only 20% of WWTW in the province are working according to a report of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
David Mc Kay, DA councillor in the Mangung Metro, says the situation with several of the WWTW in the metro not working leads to untreated sewage flowing directly into streams and storm-water drains, causing sewage mainlines to collapse and turning roads into rivers of filth.
“Consequently, our river catchment areas are contaminated, posing a severe threat to the well-being of residents of Mangaung.”
Mc Kay says the Welvaart WWTW on the Jagersfontein road that serves the southern suburbs of Bloemfontein like Fauna, Pellisier, Lourier Park, Fleurdal, Gen De Wet, Uitsig and Hospital Park, has not been working for two years.
“The law division of the Department of Water and Sanitation has reprimanded the municipality and has instructed it on several occasions to repair this within 30 days, but this has not happened yet,” he says.
“The acting head of engineering services in Mangaung, Wallis McLeod, said all eight non-functioning WWTW’s budgets have been approved and subcontractors have been appointed, so there is no reason why work at the plants have not commenced.”
According to Mc Kay, the water flowing outside of Welvaart should be drinkable. Instead, it is has an ecoli level of 1 240 instead of zero.
“The DA has urgently requested an explanation from the acting executive mayor and relevant officials as to why the maintenance and refurbishment of the WWTW have not yet commenced, and when they are expected to be completed. We have further demanded, in accordance with Rule 38 of the Metro’s Standing Rules and Orders, an increase in regular testing at the Maselspoort and Brandkop distribution points, alongside the identification of additional testing locations throughout the network, to ensure the absence of water contamination in drinking water.
“Our concern extends to the lack of a competent disaster management plan for the metro. The DA demands urgent amendments to ensure preparedness for emergencies such as the outbreak of cholera.”
McKay says the situation could have been prevented if the ANC-led government prioritised routine mantenance at the WWTW and the systematic replacement of aged infrastructure.
“Shockingly, there have been no convictions or internal investigations into the theft of the Welvaart WWTW fence, despite photographic evidence.”
He says the absence or poor quality of waste collection services leads to numerous environmental and public health issues.
“Hard-working taxpayers have faithfully paid their dues, only to witness gross mismanagement. They receive no services in return for their taxes.
“As we persist in fighting for the delivery of basic services, the upcoming national government elections in 2024 present the ideal opportunity for residents to shape our government’s future and indirectly influence the fate of failing municipalities like Mangaung.”
