The Department of Water and Sanitation has resolved to lay criminal charges against the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) over alleged ongoing pollution at the Hartebeesfontein Wastewater Treatment Works (HWTW).
Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom, accompanied by Victor Nkuna, a representative of the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Agency, laid the charges at Olifantsfontein Police Station on Thursday.
Bloom said the decision followed what he described as the municipality’s failure to adequately address residents’ complaints about pollution from the wastewater treatment works.
“Residents have complained about the severe pollution. It has also resulted in the loss of a crucial source of drinking water for Tshwane,” Bloom said.
He said he had visited Rietvlei Dam, which previously supplied drinking water to parts of Tshwane. According to Bloom, the Rietvlei Water Treatment Works was forced to stop treating water from the dam because of the extent of the pollution.
Bloom said the loss of the water source was placing additional pressure on Rand Water’s bulk supply to Gauteng. He said the Rietvlei Water Treatment Plant had previously contributed about 5% of Tshwane’s treated water supply.
The Deputy Minister also criticised the City of Ekurhuleni and ERWAT over what he described as failures to meet their responsibilities.
“The HWTW is east of Kempton Park and has 10 pump stations collecting sewage from Kempton Park, Isando, Tembisa, Spartan, Glen Marais and Birchleigh,” Bloom said.
Ekurhuleni owns the treatment plant, while ERWAT is responsible for its operation.
Bloom said the plant was not operating beyond its capacity, having been designed to treat 63 million litres of wastewater a day while receiving approximately 45 million litres.
However, he said that between January and September, treated effluent met microbiological standards only 68% of the time and chemical standards only 61% of the time.
He said high levels of ammonia, E. coli and various metals had been detected, along with grease and oil. Bloom added that approximately 50 industries also discharge into the treatment works.
Bloom said the involvement of the South African Police Service (SAPS), together with environmental inspectors, would assist the department in investigating the allegations and finding an appropriate solution.
The investigation will be followed by engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which will ultimately determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.
The charges against the City of Ekurhuleni and ERWAT remain allegations, and any criminal liability will be determined through the relevant legal process.
