Story: Zimasa Mbandezelo
Residents of Poli Extension 3, Ward 14 in Intsika Yethu Local Municipality are raising serious concerns about polluted air and contaminated water allegedly coming from a dysfunctional sewage treatment plant in Cofimvaba.
The aging treatment plant, which was meant to process sewage from Cofimvaba town and surrounding townships, is located near the traffic department in Poli.
Residents say untreated sewage frequently spills into a nearby river.
This river is used by communities from villages such as Mahlubini, Ndungwana, and Qombolo, and eventually flows into the Tsomo River.
Community members allege that sewage does not only originate from the treatment plant, but also flows directly into the river from Joe Slovo township without any treatment.
Owner of a herd of cattle and a flock of sheep, said his livestock graze on grass contaminated by sewage, placing his animals at serious risk.
Across the road from the polluted river, brick-making workers reportedly use the same contaminated water in their daily work.
One worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said they are sometimes forced to wash their hands and faces with this water, which causes skin rashes. She added that during school holidays, their children often help at the site and play in the river, exposing them to serious health risks.
Sithembele Plata, a resident of Poli, said the community decided to approach the media after years of unsuccessfully trying to engage the Chris Hani District Municipality. “We are forced to close our doors on hot or windy days because of the polluted air entering our homes,” said Plata. “As residents and ratepayers, our only wish is for the District Municipality to play its role.”
Plata further claimed that although a contractor was appointed three years ago to maintain the sewage treatment plant, the contractor has never carried out any work at the site. Attempts were made to get comment from the Chris Hani District Municipality. At the time of publication, no response had been received.
