Sewage crisis in Postmasburg continues despite national directives

An oversight visit by the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) has revealed that the sewage disaster in Postmasburg continues unabated, despite two official directives from the national Department of Water and Sanitation in 2019 and 2022 ordering the Tsantsabane Local Municipality to halt the pollution.

Instead of improving, the situation has worsened. In several neighbourhoods, raw sewage is still visible, spreading an unbearable stench and posing a clear health risk to residents, particularly children and the elderly. The oversight visit confirmed that some of the pump stations are out of order and that critical infrastructure is in a state of serious neglect.

The 2022 directive highlighted one of the most alarming cases, where E. coli was found in the lungs of the one-year-old child of Postmasburg resident, Leoni Oosthuizen. This incident underlines the severe health dangers associated with the ongoing sewage pollution. According to the FF Plus, the municipality’s failure to maintain infrastructure and provide basic services continues to endanger people’s health and lives. In addition, the value of properties in affected areas has already been negatively impacted, leaving the municipality exposed to possible claims for damages.

Earlier this year, following a formal complaint lodged by the FF Plus, the Green Scorpions confirmed that they had launched an investigation into potential violations of the National Environmental Management Act and other relevant environmental legislation. The investigation could lead to criminal prosecution of responsible officials and the municipality itself.

The complaint came after water samples were taken and analysed by an independent laboratory, which showed unacceptable levels of pollution. The FF Plus stressed that the municipality’s ongoing disregard for national legislation, environmental protection, and the constitutional right to a safe living environment is unacceptable.

According to the FF Plus, it is evident that the Tsantsabane Local Municipality continues to ignore both the 2019 and 2022 directives. Strong action is now essential to ensure that the municipality meets the minimum standards and rehabilitates the affected areas. The party has called on the Department of Water and Sanitation to act immediately against the municipality and to support the Green Scorpions’ investigation with all necessary documentation and evidence.

“The time for excuses is over. The residents of Postmasburg deserve a clean, safe, and dignified living environment,” the FF Plus said in its statement.

The party has also confirmed that it will take the matter to the Northern Cape Legislature and maintain pressure until the problem is resolved and those responsible are held accountable.

The DFA submitted a formal media enquiry to the Tsantsabane Local Municipality regarding these concerns, but the municipality did not respond, leaving residents to contend with the ongoing sewage issue.