Untreated sewage continues to flow into Vaal River three years after R70 million fine for Lekwa municipality

This situation persists three years after the Lekwa local municipality was fined R70 million by the Standerton Regional Court for environmental violations, including the unlawful discharge of raw sewage and failure to comply with environmental directives. Community representative Corné Stoltz, leader of the Independent Lekwa Party, expressed concern and frustration over the ongoing environmental and public health crisis. Stoltz highlighted that the continued discharge violates environmental legislation and poses a direct threat to public health, biodiversity, and downstream water users.

Despite repeated reports and community engagement over the past two years, there has been no sustainable intervention or transparent progress from the municipality. Stoltz called on authorities, including the Department of Water and Sanitation, to enforce the court order, investigate non-compliance, ensure infrastructure repair, and hold officials accountable. The community also demands transparency on how the R70 million fine was spent.

An anonymous resident believes the municipality has not taken corrective measures. Environmentalist Benjamin Magongo warned that the sewage spillage endangers about 10 indigenous species, grazing fields, wetlands, and various animals like butterflies, fish, and livestock, and could cause waterborne diseases