Promosa – A once thriving recreational spot for locals and tourists alike, Poortjie Dam has now become the center of a severe sewage crisis. Glenville Fransman, Public Representative Councillor at JB Marks Local Municipality, sheds light on the ongoing situation and efforts to address the issue.
Community Outcry Leads to Intervention
The visit to Poortjie Dam by Fransman, along with representatives from the SABC and the Clean SA Initiative, was prompted by overwhelming complaints from the local community. "There were a lot of pending court cases, and various parties including the DA, Mooirivier Project, and NWU WRG have been involved," Fransman explained.
Health and Environmental Concerns
The contamination of the dam has led to serious health and environmental concerns. "The sewage smell is unbearable for residents living in the surrounding area," said Fransman. The health and safety of the community are at risk due to the pollution, which extends beyond the dam into surrounding areas.
Impact on Recreation and Tourism
Poortjie Dam once served as a hub for recreational activities, attracting both locals and tourists. However, due to the current condition, the once-vibrant dam has been reduced to a wasteland. "Tourist visits have plummeted, and events can no longer be held at the dam. Sewage spillages occur every second day, further contributing to the decline," Fransman lamented.
Causes of the Blockage
When asked about the root cause of the sewage overflow, Fransman cited a lack of maintenance. "The pumps and stormwater drainage systems are not being serviced. Officials only respond after multiple complaints, sometimes taking seven to fourteen days," he said, adding that the situation reflects poor service delivery and a lack of leadership within the municipality.
Immediate Actions Taken
A court order has been issued, prompting the municipality to begin addressing the issue. However, Fransman remains skeptical about whether the problem can be fully resolved by the municipality alone. "There is a need for specialised skills, such as engineers and scientists, to not only stop the sewage but also rehabilitate the dam, surrounding areas, and blocked manholes," he explained. The municipality, unfortunately, lacks the necessary funds and resources to manage these service delivery issues.
Role of the Clean SA Initiative
The community has welcomed the involvement of the Clean SA Initiative, which has been working alongside various departments to address the environmental damage caused by the sewage. Fransman emphasised the need for broader involvement, stating, "District, provincial, and national government should be engaged in addressing the issues at Poortjie Dam and similar problems elsewhere."
Future Partnerships for Rehabilitation
While there are no official partnerships or plans in place yet, Fransman suggested that other departments and local businesses might get involved in forming a trust to address the dam's rehabilitation. He acknowledged that assistance from external parties is essential for long-term solutions.
Timeline for Cleanup
A timeline for the cleanup has been set by the High Court of Mafikeng. However, Fransman expressed doubts about whether the municipality can meet the deadline due to the lack of resources. "The municipality might not be able to adhere to the timeline because of their financial constraints and limited staffing," he stated.
Engaging the Community
Despite the challenges, Fransman highlighted the ongoing engagement with Promosa residents, businesses, and local stakeholders. "Community organisations like the angling club, which relies on the dam for fishing, have expressed their willingness to assist in any way they can," Fransman shared. However, progress remains stalled as they await further direction from the municipality.
Long-Term Solutions
Fransman has been involved in this issue since 2019, and although some progress has been made, he stressed the urgency of a permanent solution. In 2019 he submitted a witness statement to Green Scorpions (a network of environmental enforcement officials from different government departments), as well as with the South African Human Rights Commission regarding the health and safety for residents who are being negatively effected by this urgent issue. "If this problem isn't properly addressed, I don't see a bright future for Poortjie Dam," he concluded.
The fate of Poortjie Dam hangs in the balance, but with concerted efforts from all stakeholders and the community, there is hope for its rehabilitation.
Johané van Dyk - Potchefstroom
