Contempt charge awaits Matlosana after non-compliance with court order regarding sewage plant

If the Matlosana Local Municipality does not comply with the North West High Court’s order regarding the Klerksdorp sewage plant within five days, AfriForum will proceed to file a contempt of court complaint. This follows the municipality’s failure to submit a comprehensive report on the progress of repairs, security measures, and maintenance plans at the plant in Phuthaditjhaba Street every three months, as ordered by the court on 24 July this year.

The order issued on 24 July follows the municipality’s failure to also comply with a previous order of 19 January 2023.

“This continued disregard for court orders shows how deep the decay lies at Matlosana. While raw sewage flows into streets and rivers, the municipality chooses to ignore the court and the community,” says Alta Pretorius, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Mooi River.

The original court order required the municipality to not only carry out repairs but also to improve security against theft and vandalism and to implement a sustainable maintenance plan for the plant. So far, none of these measures have shown significant progress.

“AfriForum will not stand by as sewerage infrastructure collapses and communities’ health and dignity are threatened. We will proceed with the contempt application if the municipality does not comply with the court order and hold the responsible officials personally liable for the costs,” says Pretorius.

AfriForum has already urged the municipality to stop the illegal and unacceptable neglect and is currently awaiting formal feedback. If there is no response, the matter will be taken back to court to ensure enforcement of the existing order.

To join AfriForum’s Klerksdorp branch, please contact Alta Pretorius 081 392 2071.