DA lays criminal charges over sewage spill crisis in Addo

Addo, Eastern Cape – The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has laid criminal charges following an ongoing sewage spill in the Valencia area of Addo, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental damage affecting thousands of residents.

According to a statement issued by DA councillor Minette Bosman of the Sundays River Valley caucus, the sewage spill has been ongoing since at least 25 March 2026 and has escalated to what the party describes as “critical levels”.

The Valencia area, home to an estimated 6,500 residents, has been directly impacted by the overflow, which the DA says now poses a significant health hazard. The presence of untreated sewage creates conditions that may contribute to the spread of disease and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Impact on residents and businesses

The DA claims the spill has disrupted daily life in the affected area, with some access routes reportedly obstructed or unsafe due to the overflow. In addition, some residents are said to be unable to leave their homes easily, while local businesses have also been affected by the conditions.

The situation has raised broader concerns about sanitation infrastructure and service delivery in the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality.

Allegations of inaction by municipality

In its statement, the DA alleges that despite repeated reports from councillors and community members, the municipality has failed to respond adequately to the situation.

The party claims that sewerage pump failures have not been repaired timeously, and that efforts to contain the spill or clean affected areas have not been effectively implemented.

These claims have not yet been independently verified, and the municipality had not responded at the time of publication.

Criminal charges laid

The DA confirmed that criminal charges were laid at Kirkwood Police Station on 16 April 2026 against the Municipal Manager. The charges relate to alleged violations of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

Under NEMA, any individual or authority responsible for pollution or environmental degradation has a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent, minimise, or stop the harm. The law also provides that those responsible for pollution may be held liable for environmental damage and could face fines or imprisonment if found guilty.

Calls for accountability

The DA says the decision to lay charges was taken as a last resort, arguing that the continued spill and lack of intervention placed residents’ health, dignity, and livelihoods at risk.

The party maintains it will continue to pursue accountability and push for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.

Municipal response awaited

Comment has been sought from the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality. This article will be updated once a response is received.