Tshwane: Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, has expressed significant concerns over the pollution of water courses in Gauteng, attributing it largely to the compromised state of municipalities’ Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW). In a recent meeting with representatives from the Cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Mogale City Local Municipality, Seitlholo highlighted the pollution affecting the Crocodile and Upper Vaal Rivers.

According to South African Government News Agency, Seitlholo urged the municipalities to prioritize upgrading their WWTW infrastructure, ensuring the production of effluents that meet required standards and enhancing the operational and maintenance capabilities of these systems. Despite assessments and subsequent reports like the 2022 Green Drop Report and the December 2023 progress report, there has been little improvement in the condition of wastewater systems and the prevalence of sewage in public spaces and water bodies.

Seitlholo emphasized the imp
ortance of the Vaal and Crocodile rivers, which are pivotal to South Africa’s economy by supplying raw water across various sectors such as agriculture, domestic use, industry, and mining. Additionally, he noted that dams like The Barrage, Vaal, Hartbeespoort, and Roodeplaat serve as recreational and tourism hubs that are essential for local and provincial development. However, these are under threat from pollution caused by failing wastewater systems, overloaded facilities, and municipal sewer leaks.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the need for municipalities to implement effective town planning and land use management strategies, ensuring that revenue from water sales is reinvested into the maintenance and upgrading of water and wastewater treatment infrastructure. Despite financial and technical support from the department, the reports indicate a decline in water services quality.

Seitlholo called on municipalities to comply with departmental directives to tackle pollution issues and improve the maintena
nce and operation of WWTW infrastructures. He assured that the Department of Water and Sanitation would continue to enforce regulations through its Water Use Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement Directorate to address pollution challenges. Furthermore, the department is investigating 88 criminal cases against municipalities, while the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is also probing river pollution incidents through its Environmental Management Inspectors.