MAHIKENG, North West — The escalating Mahikeng sewer spillages have emerged as a severe threat to both public health and local ecosystems in the North West province. Residents are increasingly alarmed as raw sewage flows through residential streets and contaminates crucial natural tributaries and water reservoirs, most notably the Molopo River and Lotlamoreng Dam.
In the Danville area, the situation is particularly dire. Leaking manholes have created streams of untreated waste that are contaminating the surrounding landscapes. Local community members report that the pollution has made the area unsafe, noting that livestock have disappeared and homes situated near the roads are heavily impacted by the overflowing sewage. The waste originating from Danville ultimately flows directly into the river system.
The severe environmental impact has led to allegations of deliberate contamination targeting the Molopo River and Lotlamoreng Dam. Residents living near the dam have reported a persistent and overpowering stench of sewage ever since excavation work began in the vicinity.
Addressing these concerns, the spokesperson for the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality firmly refuted the allegations of intentional pollution. The municipal spokesperson clarified that personnel were deployed to conduct excavation work to access and repair damaged sewer pipes in the affected residential zones. To manage severe blockages and ensure waste reaches the Mahikeng wastewater treatment works, temporary bypass pumping was implemented. The spokesperson emphasized that it is entirely false that sewage pumps were deliberately diverted to discharge into the Molopo River or Lotlamoreng Dam.
As part of the temporary interventions in Danville, the municipality is upgrading pumps that transport wastewater from local stations to the main treatment plant, thereby increasing overall pumping capacity. Additionally, crews are actively unblocking manholes to restore normal flow.
The crisis has also drawn the attention of national authorities. A spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) stated that the last official complaint regarding the Lotlamoreng Dam was received and addressed in 2024. However, the Mahikeng wastewater treatment works—which discharges into the Molopo River and subsequently affects the dam—received a very poor rating in the most recent Green Drop report. In response, a comprehensive corrective action plan has been submitted.
The environmental consequences of raw sewage entering the dam are profound. Contamination leads to a rapid deterioration of water quality, elevating the risk of waterborne diseases and driving up drinking water treatment costs. Furthermore, the excess nutrients from the sewage cause eutrophication and algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels and pose a severe risk to aquatic life. The DWS noted that one significant fish kill was already reported in the area in 2023.
Taking decisive legal action, the DWS opened a criminal case in 2024 against both the district and local municipalities concerning the mismanagement of wastewater and shore networks. The specialized environmental enforcement unit, known as the Blue Scorpions, investigated the matter, and the docket has since been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Moving forward, the Department of Water and Sanitation is urging community members to remain vigilant and report any illegal dumping of raw sewage into water resources so that authorities can investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.
