WELKOM – The Department of Water and Sanitation and Matjhabeng Local Municipality are working to resolve persistent raw sewage spillages at the corners of Blesbok and Anderson streets in St Helena, Welkom, after months of legal battles and unfulfilled promises.

The sewage stream flooded surrounding roads, running past St Helena Primary School’s gate and creating hazardous conditions for the nearby Checkers shopping complex, crèches, businesses and residents. Pupils have been forced to navigate sewage streams daily, whilst the road from Unicor Road to the shopping centre remains impassable due to overgrown bushes, branches and potholes.

The crisis stemmed from a collapsed stretch of sewer reticulation pipeline caused by ageing sanitation infrastructure, leading to overflowing manholes and widespread spillage. The sewage poses health risks through strong odours and the possibility of infectious diseases, whilst damaging infrastructure, affecting local businesses and lowering the community’s quality of life.

In April 2025, the High Court found that Matjhabeng Municipality and Lejweleputswa District Municipality had failed to meet constitutional and statutory obligations to provide adequate sanitation at the St Helena Checkers site. In November 2025, the acting municipal manager of Matjhabeng and the municipal manager from Lejweleputswa appeared in court regarding the ongoing situation.

Despite two court orders, the municipality showed no accountability. A written reply from the Department of Water and Sanitation dated 12 March 2025 confirmed that no progress had been made on representations submitted by Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

However, recent developments show progress. The department, working with the municipality, has appointed a contractor to replace the collapsed pipeline. A site inspection revealed that the project is 40% complete, with excavations already undertaken and a section of the sewage pipeline replaced. The project is anticipated to be completed in August 2026, which will result in complete elimination of spillages in the area.

Ward 33 councillor Coreen Malherbe has reported the matter to provincial authorities and requested urgent intervention. The Democratic Alliance in Matjhabeng has submitted a motion and formal questions for the next council meeting to compel the municipality and executive mayor to account for the crisis. The party said a third court order, including personal liability for responsible municipal officials, may be required.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has called on communities to avoid flushing foreign objects such as rags, hair pieces, newspapers and non-biodegradable materials, which cause blockages. Community members should not open manholes or place foreign objects such as animal hides and waste inside, whilst vandalism of sanitation infrastructure should be reported to relevant authorities.

The Matjhabeng mayor, acting municipal manager and infrastructure directors have not responded to requests for comment.

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