KROONSTAD – Untreated sewage continues to flow into rivers and groundwater in Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon after Moqhaka Local Municipality failed to prevent ongoing pollution from its wastewater treatment works, according to a material irregularity identified by the Auditor-General.

The findings relate to the Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon wastewater treatment works, where raw sewage has been spilling into the Vals River, the Olifantsdrift River and surrounding groundwater, posing serious risks to public health, the environment and essential water services.

The Auditor-General found that the municipality failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the pollution from occurring, continuing or recurring, in breach of Section 28(1) of the National Environmental Management Act and Section 19(1) of the National Water Act.

Substantial harm to public

The report classifies the impact as causing “substantial harm to the general public”, citing the continued discharge of untreated sewage into watercourses relied upon by residents, downstream communities and farmers.

The pollution threatens drinking water sources, increases the risk of waterborne diseases and causes long-term environmental damage to the affected river systems.

Both matters were referred to the Department of Water and Sanitation for investigation, which accepted the referrals on 27 February 2024. The investigations were still under way at the time of the Auditor-General’s report.

Drinking water threatened

The findings add to growing concerns over the state of wastewater infrastructure in the municipality, with ageing and poorly maintained treatment works placing increasing strain on the delivery of safe and reliable sanitation services.

The Democratic Alliance said it would write to the Department of Water and Sanitation and Moqhaka Local Municipality, calling for urgent intervention and closer oversight to ensure the required corrective measures are implemented without further delay.

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