Municipality investigates recurring Molteno sewage spill

Chris Hani District Municipality says it is investigating a recurring sewage spill at the corner of White Street and Dwyer Street in Molteno while temporary work continues to clear the affected sewer line.

The spill was reported to Komani News by a resident who raised concerns that sewage flows past a nearby school before entering a stream allegedly connected to the dam supplying Burgersdorp with drinking water.

The resident also claimed that poor refuse collection in Molteno could be contributing to the problem, as some households do not have vehicles to transport their waste to the dumping site.

District municipality spokesperson Dr Tyembile said the municipality was aware of the recurring spill and was investigating the pipeline to identify a permanent solution.

“The municipality is aware of the recurring spillage in the location and the full investigation of the pipeline is being undertaken. This is to ensure that we deal with the challenge applying correct permanent solutions,” Tyembile said.

“In the meantime, the municipality will keep on clearing the line with jetting machines.”

According to the municipality, sewer systems in many towns are under pressure because of population growth and what it described as hydraulic overload.

It also blamed nappies and other foreign objects entering the sewer system for recurring blockages.

“Residents of that area are urged to desist from putting more pressure by disposing foreign objects into the sewer system while the municipality is addressing the dilapidating infrastructure,” Tyembile said.

The municipality said it had a limited number of jetting machines because of the size of the district, but that one would be sent to Molteno. In the meantime, the technical team would use other available resources to unblock the system.

Tyembile said the municipality’s water-quality team would take samples from the affected watercourse for testing and continue monitoring the situation.

“For now there is no tested evidence of spillages posing risk to the water supplied to Burgersdorp and we have not received such complaint or report from Joe Gqabi District Municipality,” he said.

The municipality said awareness sessions had previously been conducted with learners and communities. It urged residents not to dispose of foreign objects in the sewer system.

Long-term plans include gradually refurbishing and upgrading wastewater infrastructure, depending on the municipality’s available budget.

Komani News has also approached Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality for comment on allegations concerning refuse collection in Molteno. Its response will be added once received.