President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for immediate action to address the escalating water and sanitation crisis in the Mogale City Local Municipality, following reports of untreated sewage being discharged into local water systems.
This comes after the publication of a News24 article on 13 October 2024 on the sewage crisis in Mogale City, which has been verified as "broadly accurate" by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President finds recent media reports on the discharge of untreated sewage in Mogale City Local Municipality gravely concerning.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that the situation has been allowed to reach such untenable levels, costing business sustainability, jobs and livelihoods.
“President Ramaphosa wants the situation addressed as a matter of urgency and in the process, wants those responsible for such a state of decline to be held accountable,” Magwenya said.
Since 2019, DWS has issued multiple notices and directives to Mogale City Municipality under the National Water Act, instructing it to address the sewage pollution. However, these directives have been ignored, prompting the DWS to lay criminal charges against the municipality for sewage pollution in August 2023.
The department is currently working with law enforcement to investigate the case and compile a docket.
President Ramaphosa expressed grave concern about the severe risks the pollution poses to public health, agriculture, economic activity, and the environment.
“For the President, this situation poses a serious risk to human health, agriculture, economic activity and the environment. The sewage pollution from the municipality is adversely impacting the Cradle of Humankind which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” Magwenya said.
In response, President Ramaphosa has written to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, urging him to engage with the municipality under section 139 of the Constitution.
“The President urged the Premier to work with the Municipality in ensuring that all measures are taken to urgently address the situation. Key amongst these measures is to ensure that the Percy Steward wastewater treatment is repaired and restored to full functionality,” Magwenya said.
The Presidential spokesperson added that this may require partnership with business in the area, which should be explored. – SAnews.gov.za
