The Department of Water Resources (DWS) expressed concern that the wastewater from the Ermelo wastewater treatment plant was discharged directly into water resources due to insufficient maintenance. The investigation revealed that the facility in Ermelo lacked a water usage permit, and there were also issues with operation and maintenance, which caused the wastewater to bypass the technological units.
On Monday, Deputy Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation Dr. Jack Bloom conducted an inspection trip to Ermelo along with the head of the municipal executive council Gert Sibandi, Walter Mngomezulu, and the mayor of the local municipality Sukalagwa Mapulane Nkosi. The purpose of the visit was to assess the level of water contamination caused by this facility, which has negatively affected local communities and agricultural activities in the region.
Municipality found guilty of water resource pollution
DWS reported that untreated and poorly treated wastewater bypassing the treatment facilities is directly affecting local water sources, including Pet Dam, Brummer Dam, the Vaal River catchment area, and the Nelson River. Visane Mavasa stated that the department had repeatedly issued directives to the municipality due to its inability to take reasonable measures to prevent water pollution.
Mavasa also reported that a criminal case has been initiated, and the Middelburg High Court found the municipality guilty of water resource pollution, ordering corrective measures to cease the discharge of low-quality wastewater and prevent further contamination.
Bloom inspected facilities in Briton and Ermelo, as well as Brummer Dam and affected agricultural land. In August 2025, Nkosi officially handed over the project for the modernization of the Ermelo wastewater treatment plant and the launch of a new main sewage line for Ermelo Ext 44 – Phase 1 to the contractor. During the launch, Nkosi informed residents of Weselton (Ward 3) that the current capacity of the facility of 9 megaliters per day will be increased to 33 megaliters per day, which will meet the needs of the growing population of Sukalagwa.