Lephalale Local Municipality, situated next to the strategically important Mokolo Dam in Limpopo, is pumping raw sewage directly into the Mokolo River. The river feeds the dam, which serves as a critical water source for the region, including the nearby Medupi and Matimba power stations. The irony is devastating: the municipality sits beside abundant water yet poisons its own supply.
The sewage treatment works have been non-functional for an extended period despite budget allocations for maintenance and upgrades. The Department of Water and Sanitation has laid criminal charges against the municipality for contravening the National Water Act. Compliance notices have been issued and ignored.
The environmental and health consequences are severe. Communities downstream use the Mokolo River for drinking water, irrigation, and livestock. E. coli levels far exceed safe limits. The contamination threatens not only human health but the ecological integrity of the river system and the dam itself.