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Today the DA in Hoedspruit has filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the Mopani District Municipality over a large sewage spill near LeBamba fruit and veg supermarket in ward 1, Hoedspruit.

Despite numerous oversights and complaints to the technical department in the Mopani District municipality, no feedback has been given. The residents and businesses in the area have had to deal with this sewage overflow problem for over five months. View photos here, here and here.

The continuous flow of sewage has caused an unbearable stench and is negatively impacting businesses in the area. The sewage spill further poses a serious health risk.

Mopani District Municipality is responsible for the maintenance and management of the sewage system in Hoedspruit and is failing dismally to fulfil its responsibility.

The municipality’s failure to fix the sewage spill infringes on the residents’ right to a healthy and clean environment and also stifles efforts to encourage economic development that may create much needed employment in the area.

The DA will not sit back and watch ratepayers being subjected to inhuman living conditions. We are committed to ensuring residents in our communities are provided adequate sanitation services and the municipality must urgently address this matter.

Issued by Cllr Christine Du Preez - DA Councillor in Maruleng Local Municipality