The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the JB Marks Local Municipality laid criminal charges against the Municipal Manager, Lebu Ralekgetho, for neglecting his duties to prevent the continued raw sewage pollution at the Poortjie Dam in Promosa, Potchefstroom.

According to DA Councillor in the JB Marks Local Municipality, Cllr Glenville Fransman, raw sewage has been flowing into the dam since 2017. He says both the DA and local residents have reported this to the municipality, but their requests for the necessary interventions were ignored.

“During our engagements with municipal officials to intervene, we were informed that the continued sewage pollution is nothing to worry about and that it is not a big problem. The lack of urgency from the municipality to deal with this problem shows that they are not concerned with the well-being and health of residents and the environment.” Said Fransman.

In an engagement with residents living near the dam recently, the DA was informed that many suffer from respiratory conditions and that the stench coming from the dam is unbearable.

“The municipality is in violation of the Constitution, specifically section 24 and 27 which stipulate that everyone has the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative measures that must prevent pollution and ecological degradation, to promote conservation and secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources.” Protested Fransman

-The VIP Team

-DA NW Media