Govan Mbeki Municipality has renovated several pumping stations and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce sewage spills. (Zoril Menzelwa/Komani Karoo Express)
Govan Mbeki Municipality has renovated several pumping stations and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce sewage spills.
On Wednesday, the city entered into a plea bargain agreement with the province in response to a R200-million fine imposed by Bethel Magistrates' Court for breaching environmental laws.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monika Nyuswa said the city carried out construction projects between November 2019 and September 2020 near Emzinoni, Embalengle sewage treatment plant, Trihard Spruit, Wela Mlambo, Leandra N17 pumping station and Waterval Hook. It said it had released untreated sewage into the river, Blesbok Spruit and Groot Spruit. .
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The court ordered a fine of R50 million, provided that the municipality had not been convicted of contravening section 49A of section 5 of the National Environmental Management Act 2002 and section 151 of section 36 of the National Water Act 1998. was suspended for five years.
The city said it was “environmentally conscious” and promised to comply with court fines, adding that it had taken several measures, including deploying security guards and maintaining infrastructure to prevent theft and vandalism.
“The city has already renovated several pumping stations and wastewater treatment facilities… Through the implementation of several capital and maintenance projects, sewer leakages have been minimized. Through these projects, the water system The backlog of sanitation facilities has decreased.Thus, the provision of water-based sanitation facilities has improved “service levels.''
He added that the city continuously monitors illegal discharges and non-compliance by enforcing ordinances and discharge permits.