| by George Joseph, cllr – DA councillor in Sol Plaatje Local Municipality |
| The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape has appealed to Sol Plaatje municipal management to invite technical experts from neighbouring provinces to get the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Plant (HWWTP) functioning again.
An oversight inspection to the plant confirmed that it remains largely dysfunctional since our previous inspections to the site, about twelve and seven months ago respectively. Based on my observations, only one line is working. The bigger line, which employees started cleaning last year, is only half cleaned and still not operational. The aerator bed is also not working and is undergoing cleaning. In effect, raw sewage water continues to flow into the neighbouring Kamfers Dam, which has lost its status as a world renowned home to the lesser flamingo population. This is despite a court order obtained by a landowner on 22 March 2024 against the municipality, for it to present an action plan within 60 days of how it will treat wastewater at the dysfunctional municipal HWWTP to ensure it is of acceptable standards. It is increasingly clear that Sol Plaatje does not possess the political will or the requisite skills to address the chronic shortcomings at the plant, which does not even have a supervisor, subsequent to him going on retirement. Employees on site are pleading for help, amidst a lack of expertise and funding, to get the plant working. Since the DA inspected the plant in 2019 with Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Anton Bredell, we have asked that, in light of a glaring and prolonged lack of management of the plant, Sol Plaatje seeks outside help on operationalizing the plant, which has the ideal infrastructure for a well-run waste works set-up. Five years later, we are reiterating and amplifying our call. There are municipalities, with similar plants, that are functioning properly. With the necessary guidance and professional help, we can develop a practical plan and get hands on assistance to get the Homevale plant working again. I have spoken to the Water and Sanitation Engineer and based on his response, the DA will draw up a proposal on how and where we can source assistance, taking into consideration that Sol Plaatje currently does not have a budget for repairs or refurbishments of any of Sol Plaatje’s sewer plants and pump stations, all of which currently not operational. |