Roodepan sewerage expansion sparks fears for Kamfers Dam’s fragile ecosystem

PLANS to expand the sewerage infrastructure for the Roodepan housing development have sparked environmental concerns, with a local biologist warning that the project could threaten the delicate ecosystem surrounding Kamfers Dam.

The area — once home to the near-threatened lesser flamingo — may face serious ecological consequences if proper environmental safeguards are not put in place.

While no activity is evident on the site yet, it has been pointed out that additional strain on the sewerage system could jeopardise the potential return of flamingos to the pan.

President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated at the sod-turning ceremony of the R1 Billion Housing Project in January 2024, ahead of the national general elections.

However, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) indicated in May that the Roodepan land parcel is a separate project and does not form part of the mega housing development.

With a by-election scheduled in Ward 1 on July 23, Premier Zamani Saul announced on June 25 that a contractor had been appointed to install sewerage, water, electricity, stormwater drainage, roads, and town planning infrastructure.

The biologist stated that water quality at Kamfers Dam has shown a slight improvement since a court order was obtained to address high E coli levels and reduce the water table.

“Since the Homevale Waste Water Treatment Plant (HWWTP) is only partially functional, excess sewage is being discharged into Kamfers Dam. If more water is introduced into the pan, it will affect the breeding area. Flamingos will only return if a fine balance is restored.”

She added that the housing development could result in more domestic waste entering Kamfers Dam.

“The development may attract more domestic dogs to the area, which in turn may pose a threat to birdlife. Affected parties were not consulted or provided with the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.”

She also noted that a soil analysis should have been conducted to determine whether the houses would be built on clay soil, given the site’s proximity to a wetland.

Sol Plaatje outlines steps to address sewage issues at HWWTP

In response to a court order addressing overflowing sewage at the Northern Cape Ranchers plot, the Sol Plaatje Municipality will allocate R4.3 million to refurbish the HWWTP.

It has also budgeted R6.9 million during the 2026 financial year to upgrade the Carters Glen pump station.

The municipality is currently discharging excess treated effluent from the 15-megalitre plant to Ekapa Mine and the golf estate.

Once the 33-megalitre plant is refurbished, the municipality has proposed pumping water to the Malu Group and crop farmers for agricultural use.

It has further indicated that private security will be procured for the HWWTP by August. Ekapa Mine is currently safeguarding the 15-megalitre plant and pump station to curb theft and vandalism.

Transnet supplied Sol Plaatje Municipality with pipes to replace the three-kilometre section of collapsed rising main that discharges treated effluent from the HWWTP into the Vaal River.

The municipality has budgeted R4 million to appoint a contractor to install the new pipes.

Roodepan flats residents eligible to apply for new houses

Head of communication at Coghsta, Babalwa Mzambo, said detailed town planning had been completed for the Roodepan housing project.

“The EIA had been completed with special conditions on environmental authorisation. Sol Plaatje Municipality confirmed that bulk infrastructure capacity is sufficient for sewerage, water and electricity. Stormwater drainage will be constructed during the installation of internal services.” 

Mzambo noted that buffering techniques were implemented to address leaks from pipes that were sustaining a wetland discovered on the property, to prevent potential obstruction to the construction plans.

She added that the impact of additional sewerage lines on Kamfers Dam was not “Coghsta-related”.

“Gap Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) has been appointed as the civil engineers to proceed with the installation of bulk infrastructure, where the estimated cost is R23 million for civil services. An estimated R67 million will be spent on constructing the top structures.” 

Mzambo was unable to provide an estimated date of completion for the 265 stands.

“Once construction of top structures commences, an update will be provided.” 

She indicated that residents of the Roodepan flats would be eligible to qualify for the new houses.

ActionSA accuses government of electioneering

ActionSA provincial chairperson Andrew Louw believes the housing development is being used as a political tool to lure voters ahead of the by-election in Roodepan.

“Nineteen months after the housing project was launched, not a single house has been built. This is another white elephant that is being dangled like a carrot on a stick, while the goalpost keeps being shifted,” said Louw.

He pointed out that the site was initially earmarked to accommodate 404 houses.