For the past eight years, raw sewage has been continuously leaking from broken pump stations in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, polluting the Gcuwa River and flowing downstream into the Great Kei River. The malfunctioning pump stations, located near the Sikiti and Eugene informal settlements, were meant to transport sewage to a treatment facility but have been spilling waste directly into the river.
Residents first raised alarms in 2017, concerned about the health risks and the impact on livestock that drink the contaminated water. Despite the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) acknowledging the issue back then, no repairs have been made. The ADM spokesperson, Sisa Mwisa, blamed the delay on illegal electricity connections in the settlements, which have caused phase imbalances that prevent the pumps from operating.
Residents continue to endure the stench and health hazards, with the polluted water sometimes flooding their homes during heavy rains. The situation is exacerbated by illegal dump sites near the river, further contaminating the water. Eskom has cited ongoing vandalism and illegal connections as major contributors to the problem, leading to overloaded networks and a loss of revenue.
The environmental and health impacts of this ongoing crisis are severe, yet solutions remain elusive. Residents are left with little hope as the river continues to suffer from relentless pollution.
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