The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Sello Seitlholo, accompanied by a delegation from DWS, Magalies Water and Rand Water, visited sites along the Hennops, Kaalspruit and Jukskei Rivers that contribute to the severe pollution of Hartbeespoort Dam.

DWS visited various sites along rivers that contribute to pollution.

During the oversight visit the delegation identified activities along the rivers that have an impact on the water resource system. These include illegal dumping and waste management in informal settlements, servitude encroachment, raw sewerage flowing into the rivers and dysfunctional storm water and drainage systems.
The team visited the Jukskei River in Alexandra Township, before proceeding to ERWAT’s Olifantsfontein Wastewater Treatment Plant where it was found that the plant discharges its effluent into the Hennops River, upstream of the Hartbeespoort Dam. “Non-compliant effluent is one of the main sources of nutrient loading at the dam. The plant receives more waste than the plant has the capacity to handle, which ultimately affects effluent discharge standards in accordance with the Water Use License. Since the river network system is interconnected, the hyacinth in Hartbeespoort Dam feeds on the nutrients brought upstream from Hennops River, growing at an alarming rate, making Magalies Water’s work of clearing the dam more difficult and costly,” Magalies Water said.
At the Zandspruit Pump Station, it was discovered that about 34ML of raw sewerage is pumped into the Klein Jukskei River daily. “The biggest factor is negligence and lack of maintenance at wastewater treatment works. The local municipalities are denting the department’s image as they are not enforcing by-laws,” Seitlholo said.
He concluded his visit with a commitment to visit the wastewater plants in six months, expecting to see improvement and visible changes in operations.
Seitlholo highlighted the need for government and stakeholders to work together on solutions, including better waste management and regular maintenance, to help restore these vital water sources.