The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to investigate and urgently intervene in the alleged sewerage leaks which are filtering into the St. Lucia Estuary at World Heritage site Isimangaliso in KwaZulu-Natal.

The residents of St. Lucia have exhausted all avenues in attempts to engage with Isimangaliso and uMkhanyakude district officials on the ongoing sewage leaks from sewage pond 1 in St. Lucia which are filtering into Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Of further concern is the fact that Isimangaliso has placed a borehole about 100 meters west of the sewage leak. It is alleged that this borehole pumps water into a reservoir that gravity feeds Cape Vidal.

The sewage leak not only poses a threat to the unique biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also endangers the health and livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Under the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998), it is prohibited to contaminate or misuse our water resources in any form. In addition, Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa mandates a right to an environment that is not harmful to one's health or well-being, including protection of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. In this respect, we view the current situation as a direct contravention of the above-mentioned legislations.

We are calling on the DFFE to intervene promptly. As the competent authority, the Department has the power and duty to ensure that national environmental management principles are upheld, as laid down in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, Act No. 107 of 1998). The provisions of this Act call for sustainable development and the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation.

We implore the Department to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment (EIA) as required by NEMA to ascertain the full extent of the damage. We believe that immediate remediation, repair, and future safeguarding measures are necessary to prevent further leakage and contamination. This would also require close collaboration between DFFE and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). DWS has continuously failed to fix the issue despite numerous requests for intervention. DFFE must also ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Beyond the legislative requirements, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a symbol of South Africa's rich natural heritage. It is home to a vast array of endemic species and serves as an essential water source and economic lifeline for local communities through tourism. The long-term health and sustainability of the park must be safeguarded.

We urge DFFE and all other stakeholders to act urgently to address this sewage spillage. Our commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship demands nothing less.

As the DA, will continue to monitor the situation closely and lobby for stringent enforcement of our environmental laws. We stand committed to working with all relevant parties to ensure a swift resolution.

 

Issued by Hannah Shameema Winkler MP - DA Member on the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment