Stellenbosch Municipality gets more time to provide answers about water pollution
Sewage pollution reported in Plankenburg, Veldwagters and Eerste Rivers
The Stellenbosch Municipality is in hot water and must provide answers to AfriForum’s questions regarding water pollution in various rivers in and around this Western Cape town by December. This follows after AfriForum’s Stellenbosch branch already submitted an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to the municipality on 3 October and demanded information regarding sewage polution in three rivers. The municipality was supposed to provide feedback on this to AfriForum earlier this month, but the feedback period was extended this week by another 30 days at the request of the municipality. They now have until early December to offer answers about this water crisis.
AfriForum’s Stellenbosch branch recently received several complaints from members about alleged pollution and sewage spillage in various rivers in and around Stellenbosch. Water samples were taken and analysed at a local SANS 241 accredited laboratory. The test results indicate dangerous levels of sewage pollution in the Plankenburg, Veldwagters and Eerste Rivers.
According to Jacques Benade, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Boland, AfriForum originally requested specific information regarding the efficient operation of the sewage treatment plant as well as the water quality of the above-mentioned rivers after a meeting with the Stellenbosch Municipality was held in August this year. During the meeting, various risks regarding the water quality and the danger it could pose to Stellenbosch and the Winelands’ economy were pointed out. “Among other things, we pointed to the impact that water pollution can have on export rights of fruit to Europe in particular, and the brand damage it could cause the local tourism and wine industry. In addition, the water pollution in these rivers also poses a serious health risk for communities that live near the rivers and children who often play in the river,” explains Benade.
“This meeting was attended by the mayor and municipal manager, and despite an agreement to provide the information to AfriForum, there was failure to do so. We therefore have no other alternative than to follow the PAIA route,” says Benade. “However, there should be very urgent intervention to tackle the water issues here and therefore AfriForum will continue to apply pressure on the municipality.”
Benade encourages the community to get involved with the Stellenbosch branch and thus give their support for important projects like this.
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons, HelenOnline)
