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The DA is concerned that the water quality of the R31-lake between Kimberley and Barkly West has not been properly verified despite plans underway to divert the water into the Vaal River.

Last week, during a site inspection of the lake, MEC of Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, told the Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, that the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is satisfied that there is no contamination of the water.

The DA is not convinced. We have been awaiting water quality reports from the Green Scorpions and have also asked DWS to urgently conduct further testing.

It is common knowledge that the lake originated from a sewage overflow from the Gogga Pump Station combined with freshwater leaks from the Riverton mainline.

As recently as 21 September, I conducted an oversight inspection at Gogga Pump Station and found that sewage continues to flow into the R31-lake. It therefore seems highly unlikely that the water is not contaminated.

The DA will submit our concerns to the Public Protector and request that she insists upon a detailed water quality report, directly from DWS and not from politicians.

Already, R32 million was spent to uplift the flooded portion of the R31 road, that was submerged by the lake. While this was touted as a grand solution, it has not solved anything.

A second lake, further up along the R31, is encroaching onto the road. Sol Plaatje municipality has also failed to adhere to a directive issued by DWS, to stop the discharge of water into the lake, and ensure that the wastewater is pumped from Gogga Pump Station to the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Works.

It seems as if the intended diversion of the lake’s water into the Vaal River, is a ploy to save face as opposed to a well thought out plan to save the R31, stop the spillage of sewage and fresh water, and to secure river health.

Water is a scarce commodity and politics must not be allowed to contaminate an entire river system.

Issued by Delmaine Christians MP - DA Member of the NCOP