News24 | Mpumalanga municipality says it's 'environment-conscious' despite R200m fine for sewage spillage

The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has renovated some pump stations and wastewater treatment works to mitigate sewage spillages. (Zolile Menzelwa/Komani Karoo Express)

The Govan Mbeki Local Municipality has renovated some pump stations and wastewater treatment works to mitigate sewage spillages. 

On Wednesday, the municipality responded to a R200 million fine imposed by the Bethel Magistrate's Court for violating environmental laws and entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the municipality had released untreated sewage into the Emzinoni vicinity, the eMbalenhle wastewater treatment plant, Trichardt Spruit, Wela Mlambo, Leandra N17 pump station, Waterval Hoek River, Blesbok Spruit and Groot Spruit between November 2019 and September 2020. 

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The court suspended R50 million of the fine for five years, provided the municipality was not convicted of contravening Section 49A of the National Environmental Management Act 5 of 2002 and Section 151 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998. 

The municipality said it was "environment-conscious" and pledged to abide by the court fine, adding that it had implemented several measures, including deploying security officers to prevent theft and vandalism, and maintaining infrastructure. 

"The municipality has already renovated several pump stations and wastewater treatment works... Sewer spillages have been minimised through the implementation of several capital and maintenance projects. Through these projects, the backlogs on waterborne sanitation have been decreased. Therefore, there is an improved level of service," it said.

The municipality added that it was continually monitoring illegal discharges and non-compliance by enforcing by-laws and discharge permits.