While the City of Matlosana Local Municipality is still battling with inconsistent service delivery due to poor financial management, including mismanagement and corruption, illegal dumping in the KOSH area is a serious concern for Matlosana residents.
Illegal dumping in neighbourhoods creates unsightly conditions, attracts pests, and fuels health hazards.
In some cases, properties located near dumping sites can lose up to 20% of their value as potential buyers are deterred by the decline in living conditions. This also erodes community pride and weakens the fabric of our towns.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the area of Matlosana, Lourens Cromhout indicated that the DA in Matlosana will write to the Municipal Manager, Ms. Lesego Seametso, demanding urgent action against officials who fail to enforce by-laws.
“The Democratic Alliance in Matlosana is deeply concerned about the growing issue of illegal dumping in the KOSH area, specifically in Umgeni Street, Stilfontein. This reckless behaviour not only poses a serious risk to public health and the environment but also threatens the value of residents’ properties,” said Cromhout.
Cromhout has accused the municipality of failing to enforce existing by-laws and this has sent a dangerous message that it is acceptable to dump waste anywhere. This lack of enforcement is unacceptable.
“Our communities deserve clean and dignified living environments. Illegal dumping cannot be allowed to drag Ward 30, Stilfontein, and the broader KOSH area down any further. The DA will continue to fight for accountability and cleaner, healthier communities for all,” Cromhout said.
The party has also encouraged residents in affected areas to report illegal dumping, with photo evidence, directly to the Department of Community Services at 018 487 8000.
Meanwhile, the party has also raised concerns in relation to raw sewage flows through the streets of Ward 39.
Councillor Inge Wilken said they are alarmed by the daily sewer overflows plaguing Ward 39, with between five and eight spills occurring every day, creating dangerous health hazards, environmental damage, and unbearable living conditions.
“This is not an isolated issue. Communities across Greater Matlosana are suffering the same neglect. Despite numerous complaints, Council telephone lines often go unanswered, forcing residents to call multiple times before incidents are logged.
“Operational teams are stretched to breaking point, facing a chronic shortage of working vehicles and basic tools. Repairs are often temporary, with the same overflows recurring at the exact same locations,” said Wilken.
In April 2025, City Report reported Residents of Khuma in Rehauhetswe Street at Extension 9 in Ward 32 were left in the stench of mouldy sewage and large ponds of murky stagnant water. The municipality has been criticised for widespread sewer spillages and inadequate treatment of wastewater across all four Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) in Matlosana.
One of the affected community members, Alleta Mokwena confirmed that they have complained about overflowing sewage in the area. Unfortunately the municipality has not responded yet to their situation.
“Our government doesn’t care about us but expects us to keep on voting for them. We’ve been living in these conditions since December 2024.
“Our children cannot enjoy playing in their own yards because of the bad smell,” said Mokwena.
Speaking on the basis of anonymity, one resident confirmed that the smell has forced her to always close her door.
In response to the City Report service delivery article, the deputy director in the office of the executive mayor, Samson Kohla confirmed that the municipality will address the ongoing sewer spillages.
The opposition parties in the council has accused the municipality of failing the residents of Matlosana as sewer runs into streams and rivers.
They have also said the residents of Matlosana do not deserve to live in such conditions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor, City of Matlosana Local Municipality, Lerina Strydom.
Strydom claimed that the assistant director responsible for the Sewer Section at the City of Matlosana, Johannes Pilusa, has confirmed that the Klerksdorp WWTP is non-operational, resulting in sewage backflow into residential areas, particularly Jouberton.
The party has called on the responsible departments to allocate sufficient resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, prioritise long-standing problem areas and implement sustainable, long-term solutions instead of short-term patches.
