Lentswe, Klerksdorp - If the Matlosana Municipality fails to comply with the North West High Court’s order regarding the Klerksdorp sewage plant, AfriForum will proceed with filing a contempt of court application against the municipality.
This follows the municipality’s failure to submit a comprehensive report every three months - as ordered by the court on July 24 this year - on the progress of repairs, security measures, and maintenance plans at the plant in Phuthaditjhaba Street.
The order was issued after the municipality also failed to comply with a previous order dated January 19, 2023.
“This persistent contempt of court orders shows how deep the decay lies within Matlosana.
“While raw sewage flows into streets and rivers, the municipality chooses to ignore the court and the community,” says Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Mooirivier.
The original court order compelled the municipality not only to carry out repairs but also to improve security against theft and vandalism and to implement a sustainable maintenance plan for the plant.
Thus far, none of these measures have shown significant progress.
“AfriForum will not stand by while sewage infrastructure collapses and the health and dignity of communities are threatened.
“We will proceed with the contempt application if the municipality fails to comply with the court order and will hold the responsible officials personally liable for the costs,” says Pretorius.
AfriForum has already warned the municipality to cease the illegal and unacceptable negligence and is currently awaiting formal feedback about the issue.
If there is no response, the matter will be taken back to court to ensure the enforcement of the existing order.
