By The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) calls for an urgent audit of the whole infrastructure system and its projects to help curb drowning incidents in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo conducted an oversight visit in Virginia in the Matjhabeng Local following the unfortunate drowning incident of 14-year-old Pule Semenyane at Virginia Meloding. This drawing incident follows another of 10-year-old Rapelang Sejentu just over a week ago.
Deputy Minister Seitlholo, accompanied by the DWS Free State Provincial Head, Dr Tseliso Ntili, first met with Matjhabeng Acting Mayor, Cllr Hlobohang Mokhomo and Vaal Central Water Chief Executive, Luvuyo Ntoyi to get a full briefing that led to the drowning incident. Vaal Central is the implementing agent appointed by DWS for the Ministerial intervention which include 78 sewage and water works projects in the Free State.
For assurance and verification, Deputy Minister Seitlholo also inspected the pond where the 14-year-old drowned before visiting his family to send personal condolences. The pond has since been closed.
“I’m disappointed to learn that only 12 out of the 27 megalitres of sewage makes its way to the Waste Water Treatment Works. This translates to raw sewage seeping and flooding the streets and creating ponds in the communities while other raw sewage flows into rivers and pollute them. This is unacceptable,” said Deputy Minister Seitlholo.
He added: “I am aware of the financial state of Matjhabeng municipality and the debt of R7 billion to Vaal Central Water. However, that does not mean Matjhabeng cannot come up with short- and medium-term plans to avert sewage spillages. We have to first and foremost think about the communities we serve and their wellbeing and prevent future incidents where our children drown in sewage. No parent deserves to bury a child.” DWS Free State Provincial Head, Dr Ntili said: “Matjhabeng together with Vaal Central Water must conduct an audit of the whole system and infrastructure.
projects so that risks can be identified immediately, and a targeted approach be undertaken to fix the leaks. We also need to raise as a matter of urgency to curb more drownings.”
