Mhluzi River sewage makes
Lindiwe Matshiane
As summer starts in September, we’re supposed to plant trees during Arbour week. In September it’s time to plant trees to save the environment, clean the air, and improve our overall health in our community. But we can’t participate because of the sewage in our community.
A sewage problem comes from the Steve Tshwete municipal sewage treatment plant, which also affects the Mhluzi River. This is happening in the Steve Tshwete municipality sewage plant, next to the Mathailene area in Mhluzi. The sewage plant is next to the community, which in summer has a lot of bad smell coming from there thus affecting the community in terms of health.
Most companies use mobile toilets, they are supposed to drain their mobile at the sewage plant, but unfortunately, some don’t. The Mhluzi River is used for many things It is used especially for drinking water, farming, cleansing, and religious purposes. We did take the matter up with the municipality, of which they agreed that they would monitor the situation.
The sewage plant is closer to black community households. Around the households, there are two public schools which accommodate about 700 and 350 school children respectively. There’s also a creche that accommodates about 53 learners. There are about seven churches around the area. There is also a community hall, and the community clinic is about one kilometer from the sewage plant.
The number of community members affected by this sewage smell is around 3000: First class citizens (Grandparents 11%); youth between ages 18 – 35 elders between ages 35 -60 it’s 27%; kids one month to 7 years 32%; teenagers between age 07-18 years it’s 27% it is because these teenagers walk frequently passing by the sewage plant.
The case against Steve Tshwete Municipality about the smell that comes from sewage at the Boskrans Sewage plant has been opened. The case was opened at Middelburg Magistrate QUALITY COURT. We still waiting for the court to be called. There are community members who have been affected by this sewage smell, and doctors have advised the communities to move/relocate to other safe places because their health is in danger.
Action to be taken is that we as communities together with the municipality will monitor the situation, people/companies who will be found committing such a violation will be fined as per council standing by-laws.
