DA Urges Tougher Action to Halt Xhariep Sewage Spills Threatening Health and Environment
Residents in the Xhariep District Municipality, Free State, continue to face a dire sewage crisis that has persisted for years, with raw waste flowing into rivers, streets, and farmlands. The Democratic Alliance has ramped up its campaign, calling for stricter enforcement by local environmental health practitioners to tackle the problem head-on. This push comes amid growing fears over public health risks and damage to vital water sources like the Orange River and Gariep Dam.
The party’s latest statement, released on 1 October 2025, highlights unchecked spills in several towns, blaming a lack of political will and technical know-how in local municipalities. As communities grapple with the fallout, experts warn that without urgent fixes, the situation could lead to widespread disease outbreaks and long-term ecological harm.
Roots of the Xhariep Sewage Crisis
The sewage woes in Xhariep trace back several years, with reports of infrastructure failures dating to at least 2021. In many cases, ageing pump stations and pipelines have collapsed under pressure, leading to overflows that pollute local waterways and residential areas. A 2024 provincial oversight report pointed out that the district’s sewer systems, spanning hundreds of kilometres, are often blocked or broken, exacerbating the issue during heavy rains or high usage periods.
Local municipalities like Kopanong, Mohokare, and Letsemeng have been hit hardest. Despite repeated warnings and compliance notices from the district, little progress has been made. This inertia has left residents exposed to foul odours, contaminated groundwater, and potential health hazards such as cholera or gastrointestinal illnesses. In one instance, a 2023 assessment revealed that poor wastewater treatment in the region contributed to elevated E. coli levels in nearby rivers, posing risks to downstream communities and agriculture.
The crisis mirrors broader challenges in Free State’s water management. A national Green Drop audit in 2022 flagged several wastewater plants in the province as dysfunctional, with Xhariep scoring poorly due to inadequate maintenance and funding shortages. Upgrades promised in earlier budgets, such as refurbishing 14 sewer pump stations and 30km of outfall lines in similar districts, have not fully materialised here, leaving gaps in service delivery.
Specific Hotspots: Trompsburg, Bethulie, and Zastron Under Siege
In Trompsburg, the heart of Kopanong Municipality, a non-functioning sewage pump station has caused large volumes of raw sewage to spill into a local spruit. This ongoing leak, documented in recent inspections, threatens nearby farmlands where crops could absorb contaminants, affecting food safety and livelihoods. Residents have reported slippery streets and mosquito breeding grounds, heightening the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Bethulie faces similar troubles, with sewage regularly escaping from manholes and flowing towards the Orange River. This river, a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water across provinces, could see its water quality degrade further if spills continue unchecked. Environmental groups have noted increased algae blooms in the area, linked to nutrient-rich waste entering the ecosystem.
In Matlakeng, Zastron, part of Mohokare Municipality, households have endured sewer leaks right next to their homes since October 2021. What started as minor overflows has grown into a persistent problem, with raw waste pooling in yards and roads. Community members, including children, are at direct risk of exposure, and the stench has made daily life unbearable. A 2024 complaint log showed over 50 reports from this area alone, yet repairs remain stalled due to budget constraints.
These incidents are not isolated. In nearby Rouxville, raw sewage has been reported flowing into the Caledon River since 2023, mirroring patterns across Xhariep. The Gariep Dam, a key reservoir for the region, faces indirect threats as polluted tributaries feed into it, potentially harming fish stocks and recreational activities.
DA’s Call for Stronger Enforcement and Accountability
Democratic Alliance councillor Jacques van Rensburg from Kopanong Municipality has led the charge, urging environmental health practitioners in the Xhariep District to step up. In the party’s statement, he stressed the need for inspections and assessments of leaks in the affected municipalities, moving beyond reactive responses to complaints.
The DA points out a glaring budget mismatch: the district allocates 81% of its funds to employee costs, leaving scant resources for operationalising environmental health practitioners to conduct regular site visits. This has resulted in minimal long-term monitoring, allowing problems to fester. The party demands harsher enforcement, including fines and remedial orders, to force compliance.
Van Rensburg emphasised that residents deserve clean water and a safe environment, free from political delays. The DA plans to keep reporting non-compliance and push all levels of government for action, vowing not to stop until ecological rights are protected. Attached to their release were soundbites in English, Afrikaans, and Sesotho, amplifying the message across communities.
This stance aligns with the DA’s broader efforts in Free State, such as pushing for business development plans in Xhariep to boost local economies while addressing infrastructure gaps. In other areas like Metsimaholo, the party has launched petitions to resolve similar sewage issues, showing a consistent fight against administrative failures.
Health, Economic, and Environmental Toll
The sewage crisis extends beyond immediate nuisances, posing serious threats to public health. Exposure to raw waste can lead to skin infections, respiratory issues, and waterborne diseases, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access. Farmlands contaminated by spills risk reduced yields, hitting small-scale farmers hard in an already tough agricultural sector.
Ecologically, the Orange River and Gariep Dam are under strain. Sewage introduces excess nutrients, causing eutrophication that depletes oxygen and kills aquatic life. Groundwater pollution adds another layer, as many residents rely on boreholes for daily needs. A 2025 study on Free State water sources warned that without intervention, these spills could contribute to a regional water crisis, affecting tourism and cross-border relations with Lesotho.
Economically, the district suffers too. High employee spending leaves little for repairs, while delayed fixes increase long-term costs. Upgrades, like a proposed R6 million project for Trompsburg’s sewer line and pump station, have been discussed but not fully implemented, stalling progress.
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