’Lake Zamani Saul’ poses a danger to all - EFF
THE EFF have renamed the dam of sewage and stormwater that has accumulated along the R31 after the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul.
The environmental hazard has submerged a section of the road and poses a health risk to residents and livestock.
EFF provincial spokesperson, Obakeng Lechuti stated that "Lake Zamani" posed a danger to motorists travelling in and out of the city.
"The lake is polluted and has destroyed the grazing field. Animals drink the contaminated water from sewage plants.
"Farmers had to remove their livestock."
He added that the lake also posed a danger to the residents living near Platfontein.
"Children from the Khoisan community play in the water. The area has not been cordoned off and no warning signs were erected."
He indicated that EFF provincial secretary Shadrack Thlaole had written letters to the local authorities without receiving any response.
"We call it 'Lake Zamani Saul' because the premier promised in his inaugural address that he would change the face of the city. He spoke of improving roads, infrastructure and sanitation. We will continue to advocate for the rights of our people and decent living conditions."
Farmers from the Gogga Pump Farmers Association said they suffered huge stock losses after their cattle and sheep drowned after falling into sewage filled trenches.
The Department of Land Reform, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Environmental Affairs this week indicated that the MEC Mase Manopole would engage with stakeholders to address the problem.
A report into the leakages pointed to billions of rands that were needed to fix the problem.
It was reported that the existing infrastructure was not designed to handle the increased volumes of human waste generated due to recent developments in the city.
Sol Plaatje Municipality stated that the process to fix a sewage pipe between Gogga Pump Station and the Homevale Wastewater Treatment plant was "almost complete".