Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) remains embroiled in ongoing water pollution crises that threaten public health and the environment. Despite multiple reports, court fines, and directives from environmental authorities, the situation shows little sign of improvement. The municipality’s continued neglect poses a severe risk to water resources that supply not only local communities but also downstream regions, including Gauteng.
Also read: Sewer problems plague GMM and threaten health in the region
Water Pollution: An Unabated Crisis
Last year, in October 2024, The Bulletin visited several areas in GMM where water contamination was a pressing concern—an issue first reported extensively in 2024. Alarmingly, there has been little progress in addressing the pollution, and the situation remains dire. Thousands of litres of sewage continue to flow into streams and rivers, especially into the Vaal River system, which is a crucial water source for Johannesburg and Gauteng.
Residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about the severity of the pollution, with reports of contaminated water flowing freely into water bodies used for domestic, agricultural, and recreational purposes. The contamination includes raw and untreated sewage spilling into streams, which has led to a cascade of health risks and environmental degradation.
Also read: DA in GMM welcomes the R200m Fine for pollution issues
Court Fines and Legal Action
GMM’s failure to comply with environmental laws has not gone unnoticed. In April 2024, the Bethal Magistrates’ Court imposed a hefty fine of R150 million, which was later increased to R200 million, on the municipality for contraventions of the National Water Act and the National Environmental Waste Management Act. The court found GMM guilty of causing significant pollution, failing to respond to directives, and unlawfully disposing of water that negatively impacts local water resources.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had previously issued multiple directives to the municipality, urging them to address pollution risks, conduct environmental assessments, and implement rehabilitation plans. Unfortunately, GMM repeatedly failed to respond or take the necessary corrective actions. Despite submitting a plan and allocating a budget in November 2020, no rehabilitation work materialised.
Also read: GMM water contamination a ticking time bomb
Neglect Despite Court Orders
The court’s intervention was part of a broader effort to hold GMM accountable for its environmental violations, rooted in multiple directives issued since 2019. Yet, the municipality’s inaction persists, with reports indicating that essential infrastructure repairs and upgrades have been ignored or delayed. The failure to repair and upgrade sewage treatment facilities has led to ongoing spillages, with the municipality’s officers seemingly more focused on political agendas—particularly preparations for upcoming by-elections and the 2026 local government elections.
Impact on Communities and Environment
The impact of sewage spillages and water pollution extends beyond environmental damage. Residents of eMbalenhle, Ext 19, and other affected areas describe living in the midst of foul stench and contaminated water. Many report health issues such as skin infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and respiratory problems, linked directly to polluted water sources.
Local farmers downstream from GMM have also been severely affected. Reports of deteriorating water quality have led farmers to restrict their livestock from drinking river water, with some cattle dying due to exposure. Dead fish and foam in the rivers serve as stark visuals of the ecological damage inflicted by unchecked pollution.
Also read: FF+ pressure GMM on sewer crisis
A Need for Urgent Action
Despite the heavy fines and ongoing court cases, water pollution in GMM persists. The Department of Water and Sanitation remains committed to enforcing environmental laws, and officials like Director-General Dr. Sean Phillips have emphasised that transgressors will be held accountable. Still, the question remains: when will the municipality prioritise sustainable water management and infrastructure upgrades over political games?
Environmental activists, residents, and farmers urge GMM to take immediate and decisive action to fix failing infrastructure, implement effective water management strategies, and restore the health of local water resources. The health of communities and the ecological integrity of the environment depend on it.
Also read: DA in Govan Mbeki Demands Urgent Intervention to Address Sewage Overflow in eMbalenhle
Conclusion
The situation in Govan Mbeki Municipality is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglecting environmental responsibility. Water is a vital resource—its pollution a ticking time bomb that could lead to widespread health crises if left unaddressed. Stakeholders must work together to uphold environmental laws, prioritise infrastructure development, and ensure that communities have access to clean, safe water.
For more information and updates, stay tuned.