DA municipality refuses to face accountability for river pollution in Stellenbosch

Residents in Stellenbosch have raised alarm over incidents of untreated sewage entering the Veldwachter River, subsequently flowing into the renowned Eerste River. Suspicions have emerged regarding the source of pollutants, with some pointing fingers at the municipality’s advanced wastewater treatment plant.

Videos captured by an anonymous resident depict sludge in the Veldwachter River, raising concerns about water quality. The resident, who recorded the footage on 9 October last year, described the situation as an “absolute stinking mess.” Similar videos collected over a span of five months highlight the persistence of the issue.

Another video from 15 January this year showcases sludge in the Eerste River, with the resident attributing the problem to the Veldwachter River. The treated effluent from the wastewater treatment plant is typically discharged into the Veldwachter River, which then merges with the iconic Eerste River.

Residents suspect that untreated sewage is being released into the Veldwachter River from the wastewater treatment plant. Concerned community volunteer Bill Hulme, a Stellenbosch resident, expressed disappointment over the deteriorating conditions of the Eerste River, recalling fond memories of swimming lessons and picnics by its banks.

Residents, through AfriForum, have engaged with the municipality to address the issue. AfriForum, a community advocacy organization, conducted independent tests on the polluted Veldwachter River, revealing elevated E. coli levels. Jacques Benade, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Boland, emphasized the potential risks to agriculture, tourism, and the local wine industry.

AfriForum’s Stellenbosch branch submitted a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) on October 3, seeking information on sewage spills in three rivers. The municipality was supposed to provide feedback early in November but, at their request, the deadline was extended by 30 days.

They then had until early December to address concerns about this water crisis. However, the request was denied on confidentiality grounds. AfriForum intends to appeal this decision by the end of January.

The wastewater treatment plant underwent a significant upgrade four years ago, leading to speculation about the root cause of the current problems. Hulme suggested that the issues may stem from a lack of skills or incompetence in managing the upgraded infrastructure.

The Department of Water and Sanitation’s Green Drop report from last year expressed concerns about the effluent quality from the Stellenbosch wastewater treatment works (WWTW). The report highlighted a lack of skills among operational and maintenance staff, posing risks to downstream users.

In response, the Stellenbosch municipality acknowledged isolated incidents and emphasized ongoing investigations into each occurrence. The municipality cited dredged sludge from the riverbed and suspended solids from upstream as potential causes. It also pointed to positive recent water quality test results and acknowledged an underground pipe leak from the wastewater treatment plant, which has been repaired.

The municipality disputed some findings in the Green Drop report but has implemented measures to address concerns, including deploying a specialist service provider, recruiting key personnel, training staff, and improving equipment maintenance.

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