By Puisano News Reporter
The ongoing water pollution of the Vaal River system due to the discharge of raw sewage, has resulted in the Democratic Alliance laying formal criminal charges against the municipality on Saturday 09th August 2025, at the Sasolburg Police Station.
DA constituency head Dr Igor Scheurkogel said despite an oversight visit by the Department of Water and Sanitation, Metsimaholo has made no constructive effort to halt the flow of sewage into one of South Africa’s most critical water resources.
“The Abrahamsrus pump station, located next to the Vaal River, which has been identified as a priority site for repair, remains completely non-operational. This has allowed continuous sewage flows to flow directly into the river” said Scheurkogel.
Scheurkogel further said the Leeuwspruit pump station, situated next to a residential area, continues to cause severe health and quality-of-life concerns for nearby communities. Raw sewage is spilling from overflowing manholes into the Leeuwspruit stream, which ultimately feeds into the Vaal River.
The DA’s criminal complaint is grounded in:
• Section 19 and Section 151 of the National Water Act, 1998;
• Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998.
• Section 24 of the Constitution
“The consequences of this negligence are severe, as they increase public health risks from waterborne diseases, lead to the
environmental degradation of the Vaal River ecosystem and economic damage to tourism, recreation, and local businesses along the river”. added Scheurkogel.
The municipality has not yet responded to the request for a reply on the matter.
