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The only Ramsar-designated wetland site in the Free State is being overwhelmed by municipal sewage from the town of Memel in the dysfunctional Phumelela municipality.

On a site visit, the DA discovered that the Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve, which was designated in 1997 by the International Ramsar Convention, to which South Africa became a signatory in 1975, because it is the largest inland wetland on the Highveld of SA, is being continuously polluted by all the sewage from the town of Memel with its population of 5000. In addition, refuse, including medical waste, animal carcasses, and household rubbish, from an illegal dumping site is also releasing wastewater into the Klip River, which feeds into the wetland. A large school releases all its raw sewage directly into this river. The birdlife and hippos, for which the reserve is world famous, cannot survive under these appalling conditions.

The unit manager, who is in charge of the daily running of the town, was on sick leave when we tried to meet with her, because “she needs to use up her allocated sick leave days”.

New sewage oxidation ponds, as well as the old oxidation ponds, are releasing all the wastewater from the town into the wetland system. Many animal carcasses are scattered around in the dumping site and around the sewage flows which lead into the wetland.

The DA will file questions to both the Free State MEC of Environmental Affairs, and Minister Barbara Creecy, about why approved plans for a new dumping site have not been implemented for five years, and why the new oxidation ponds where sewage must be treated are not functional.

This disastrous situation, which impacts on human and animal life, and which ultimately discharges raw sewage into the Vaal Catchment, cannot be allowed to continue. Plans for community farming, water bottling, and tourism are being severely impacted while the community fight for their rights to a well-run town, and the protection of one of the most significant tourism sites in South Africa.

It is clear that the ANC government have no ability to ensure well-run municipalities, protect the environment and tourism, or abide by international conventions to which they are a signatory.  Voters can change this by using the power in their hands, ensuring they are correctly registered, and voting in 2024.

Issued by Leona Kleynhans - DA COGTA Spokesperson in the Free State Legislature