My Department has reacted as regulator and catchment manager as follows:
2. Yes my Department is aware of the impact the failing WWTW is having on the environment and local communities; hence the actions taken.
The Kouga LM, in their response letter of 13 July 2015, has confirmed a partnership with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in 2013 to upgrade the WWTW; and on 3 June 2014 appointed a PSP to develop upgrade plans. On 4 March 2015 the Technical Report on the Refurbishment and Upgrading of the KwaNomzamo WWTW was received and is progressing to the tendering stage.
Regarding access control and fencing of the works, the Kouga Council approved a budget of R 2,0m to fence the said works. This project was approved by a full Council and a contractor has already been appointed in August 2015.
The Kouga LM is also working with local industries to ensure pre-treatment to reduce the organic and hydraulic load on the KwaNomzamo WWTW.
3. The plant assessment was done during the last green drop assessment in 2013 and the plant received a score of 57.44%. This score placed the WWTW in the category ‘50% – 80% - Fair performance, ample room for improvement’.
4. Yes, My Department has intervened from legal perspective as follows:
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