The DA in Lekwa welcomes the R70 million fine handed to the municipality by the Standerton Regional Court for contravention of environmental legislation.
This after the municipality failed to comply with a court order instructing them to immediately repair its sewerage plants to prevent pollution to the Vaal River and other natural resources.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) the municipality was found guilty on 7 counts relating to: failure to comply with conditions stipulated in the waste management license, prohibition of unauthorized disposal of waste.
The issue of the municipality’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) polluting the Vaal River dates back to 2009. Since then, the affected parties have been raising concerns with relevant authorities in the municipality, the department of CoGTA was approached for intervention and a criminal case was instituted.
It has further emerged that the state and municipality entered into a plea agreement. During court proceedings it was discussed how the municipality’s negligence affected the rights of citizens as enshrined in Section 24 of the constitution.
The municipality has agreed to put measures in place to deal with the matter. They have also committed to prioritizing the repairs needed to faulty equipment at the pump stations.
The court ordered that the R70 million fine should be channeled to repairs, it went on to order that proof of expenditure and repairs must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs.
The municipality is expected to fork out an additional R500 000 to the Department of water services and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) for liabilities incurred during the investigation process.
This is a clear indication that the municipality’s failure to adhere to ethical government practices has significantly contributed to its financial crisis.
The DA hopes that this ruling will send a message to the department of CoGTA that Lekwa needs their intervention. It is disappointing to note how different senior officials in this municipality have compromised the livelihoods of residents.