By Themba Tshandu- DA Councillor in Mkhondo Local Municipality
-There are sewer spillages at the municipality’s Retieville plant.
-The sewer pollutes the nearby river.
-We have asked the Municipal Manager to look into this and come with a solution.
22 September 2026
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance in Mkhondo calls on the Municipal Manager, Mthandeni Mkhonza, to liaise with the relevant Technical Service Department and put an end to sewer spills at Retieville Water Treatment Works..
Recently, the DA conducted an oversight to this plant and discovered that raw sewage is continuously flowing onto the nearby river, stream and tributaries in the municipality.
Mkhondo municipality has been failing to address sewer spills for years. This goes to show that the municipality disregards the National Environmental Management Act 59 of 2008.
These sewage spills impact negatively on the municipality’s water systems. This is further exacerbated by dysfunctional sewer pump stations. In some instances, the community’s right to potable water is infringed upon as they cannot consume tap water.
It is important for the municipality to start being transparent and take accountability for their failures. The municipality’s alleged mismanagement of funds intended for projects that are aimed at addressing the critical infrastructure is now catching up with them.
Several complaints to the relevant department in the municipality have landed on deaf ears. The municipality’s ignorance speaks volumes about the ANC’s governance considering that their negligence is affecting water resources and the livelihood of residents.
Residents of Mkhondo have an opportunity to vote the ANC out of power in the upcoming Local Government Elections and elect a party with an exceptional track record in governance, the DA. Once elected, we will modernise wastewater treatment works with skilled and trained technical staff.
Under a DA government, we will combine ringfenced public revenue with responsible private-sector investment, Mkhondo will be able to address urgent repairs of its waste water infrastructure while also planning for long-term resilience.
Mkhondo can no longer be held hostage by an uncaring ANC government. We will continue holding the municipality accountable, residents of Mkhondo have a right to a healthy and a sustainable environment.
For media enquiries contact:
Themba Tshandu
DA Councillor Mkhondo Local Municipality
063 724 4226