Freshwater sources in Tshwane, including the Hennops River and Roodeplaat Dam, are being polluted with untreated and partially treated sewage and sludge with devastating effects because of a failure to maintain wastewater treatment works in Pretoria.
These were the findings released by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following an inquiry into the state of wastewater treatment works in the City of Tshwane.
The inquiry was instituted earlier this year following complaints about malfunctioning treatment works releasing sewage into the Apies and Pienaars rivers as well as the Roodeplaat and Leeukraal dams.
In its report, the SAHRC said it was clear freshwater sources were being polluted.”The effects of the pollution on the water, its ecosystems and the people who use the water have been devastating,” the report said.
“This is made clear by the Magalies Water Board’s water sample analysis carried out last year that showed horrendous levels of faecal coliforms and E. coli.”
