Landowner demands Sol pay for Kamfers Dam sewage disaster
A PROPERTY owner, Brenda Booth, is claiming R120,000 from Sol Plaatje Municipality for failing to contain overflowing sewage, which has created a health and environmental disaster on her farm along the R31 road and at Kamfers Dam.
The excess sewage has destroyed 700 out of 1,000 hectares of her land, significantly devaluing the property.
Botulism is suspected to have caused the deaths of at least 136 birds that were collected along the Kamfers Dam pan in December.
The Department of Water and Sanitation stated that criminal charges had been opened against Sol Plaatje Municipality due to the Homevale and Beaconsfield wastewater treatment plants not functioning.
Booth’s legal representative, advocate Danie Olivier, stated that the municipality was in contempt of a March 2024 court order and had omitted to submit relevant progress reports.
“The municipality failed to abide by the time frames. No reasons have been provided as to why it missed numerous deadlines to take remedial action. An existing technical report from 2023 was submitted, and when questioned, the municipality altered the dates,” he said.
Olivier pointed out that bird deaths at Kamfers Dam had been ongoing since November 2024 and was widely reported in the media.
“The foamy water at Kamfers Dam has turned green. Untreated, smelly sewage is being dumped in the dam and along the banks. This is while the municipality rolled over and played dead, without reacting. It has taken a very lackadaisical approach.”
Oliver stated that the municipality, along with its legal team, declined an invitation to inspect the dire conditions at the farm.
“The rising water levels have resulted in the disappearance of flamingos from Kamfers Dam. The E coli levels are dangerously high. The Homevale wastewater treatment plant was supposed to be repaired so that it could operate at full capacity. The treatment plant also needs to be guarded to prevent acts of vandalism and the theft of copper cables.”
Olivier accused the municipality of “arrogantly and blatantly” ignoring legal letters to fully comply and disrespecting the court order.
He indicated that mention had already been made in May 2024 regarding R106 million that was needed to address the challenges.
“We do not know what happened to huge amounts of money that was allocated, including R492 million that was cited in an affidavit and Bulk Infrastructure Funds.”
He added that the municipality had failed to specify time frames as to when it would fulfil its duty to provide clean water and ensure a healthy and safe environment.
The legal representative for Sol Plaatje Municipality and municipal manager Thapelo Matlala, advocate Dr Peter Volmink, said that serious allegations had been levelled by environmental specialist Ester Westhuizen-Coetzer regarding the death of birds around Kamfers Dam.
“It was only brought to their attention for the first time this week. Sol Plaatje Municipality was not aware of the situation. The municipality was caught off guard and has not been given adequate opportunity to consult,” he said.
Volmink added that he personally wanted flamingos to return to the breeding sites at Kamfers Dam.
He pointed out that the municipality did not have “money in the bank” to repair the Homevale wastewater treatment plant.
“An application was made for funding to the amount of R106 million from the Department of Water and Sanitation, but to date, it has not received a response. There is no evidence of being in contempt of court. Funding issues will be resolved.”
Volmink stated that bulk infrastructure funds were allocated to improve bulk water services, while no funds were earmarked for the wastewater treatment plants.
“A clear-view fence has been erected around the Homevale wastewater treatment plant and the chlorine room has been repaired.”
He advised Booth to lodge a civil claim if she sought compensation.
He admitted that while there were “missteps and oversight” on the part of the municipality, it did not imply that it had adopted a “don’t care” attitude.
“Measures have been taken to remedy the situation, although not all the work has been completed. Work is being done in phases.”
Volmink added that Sol Plaatje Municipality was engaging with Ekapa Mine and the Kimberley Golf Course to drain excess water from Kamfers Dam.
“A joint venture is waiting for council approval, to pump the water to neighbouring farms. Pumps that will be provided by Transnet will be installed over the next eight months.”
Judge Almé Stanton reserved judgment in the Northern Cape High Court this week.
