In a response to GO! & Express’s explosive December investigation “Dereliction and Danger,” BCM mayor Princess Faku addressed residents on the state of metro’s wastewater infrastructure, acknowledging vandalism challenges while firmly dispelling fears of drinking water contamination.
The GO! article exposed shocking dereliction at Bhisho, Phakamisa and Schornville wastewater treatment works, revealing rampant vandalism, cable theft, and non-operational processes, leading to raw sewage spills into the Buffalo River.
Evidence of stripped infrastructure and official neglect painted a dire public health picture, with experts warning of ecological collapse and pollutants entering Buffalo River.
But in a statement released over the weekend, Faku maintained that separate drinking and wastewater systems ensured no sewage reaches the resident’s taps. She said this was backed by “intensified monitoring” at treatment plants where raw water tests consistently meet national standards.
Faku also revealed that BCM was investing approximately R500m in infrastructure refurbishment and security enhancements at the metro’s treatment plants.
“No contamination incidents have been detected despite disruptions,” Faku said. “In some cases, this vandalism has been so severe that treatment processes have been disrupted or temporarily rendered non-functional. This is unacceptable, and we do not shy away from stating it openly.
“However, these challenges do not mean that sewage is contaminating our drinking water.
“Our drinking water and wastewater systems are separate, and our municipality operates a robust and continuously monitored water-quality regime at all water treatment plants.
“Raw water entering our water treatment works is routinely tested, and where wastewater plants are identified as higher risk due to vandalism or operational challenges, monitoring is intensified, not reduced.”
Faku said if “any serious contamination” were present in the raw water sources feeding the metro’s drinking water plants, it would be detected immediately through this monitoring regime.
“That has not been the case, and our drinking water continues to comply with national standards.”
Faku said she wanted address issues at the Zwelitsha and Schornville wastewater treatment works: “directly and transparently”.
“Zwelitsha is currently undergoing a structured upgrade programme. Significant work has already been completed, and the remaining scope is at an advanced procurement stage.
“These upgrades are planned to be fully completed by December 2026, after which the plant will operate at improved capacity and compliance.
“Schornville has unfortunately been severely vandalised. In response, the municipality has taken a strategic decision to divert flows from Schornville to Zwelitsha,” Faku.
She said the tender for this diversion is currently in procurement, and once a contractor is appointed, construction is expected to take 12 months.
“This is a sustainable and technically sound solution to protect the environment and public health.
“Beyond these two plants, I want to emphasise that the municipality has not been idle.
“We have developed and are implementing a three-year wastewater infrastructure improvement plan, which is now in its second year of execution.”
Faku said the plan focused on refurbishing existing wastewater treatment works and pump stations, restoring functionality, and most importantly, strengthening security to protect critical infrastructure.
She revealed that as part of this programme, BCM was investing approximately R500 million in infrastructure refurbishment and security enhancements.
These include improved access control, surveillance technologies, physical hardening of sites, and coordinated responses with law-enforcement agencies.
Faku said vandalised wastewater treatment plants and critical pump stations are scheduled to be secured and refurbished within the next 2 to 3 years.
“I want residents to understand this clearly: we recognise the challenges, we have a funded plan, and we are implementing it.
“Infrastructure recovery takes time, but it is being done methodically, transparently, and with public health as the primary priority.
“I want to reassure every resident: while wastewater infrastructure challenges exist and are being addressed decisively, there should be no fear of direct sewage contamination of our drinking water sources. Our monitoring systems, operational controls, and regulatory oversight remain firmly in place,” Faku said.
She said the metro would communicate openly, act decisively against vandalism, invest in infrastructure recovery, and protect the health and dignity of our communities.
“Our residents deserve honesty, progress, and confidence and that is what we are committed to delivering.”
