Emfuleni waste water treatment works not functional.

As a result, SAVE approached the High Court in Johannesburg for urgent relief and Emfuleni was ordered to ensure that the effluent which it lets into the Riet Spruit (which enters the Vaal River thought the Loch), complies with the DWAF standards within a period of four months. "The concession by Emfuleni that it required four months to comply with these basic standards is once again indicative that the Municipality is aware of the criminal conduct and contravention of the National Water Act as well as the National Environmental Management Act by polluting the Vaal River through its waste water treatment works" Lötter Wepener, chairman of SAVE said.

"The standards have now been set", Wepener said after the court granted the order. "In the future, should Emfuleni allow untreated waste water that contains toxins in excess of the DAWF standards to enter the Vaal River, we will approach the High Court to imprison the officials for contempt of court if they fail to adhere to the court order.

"River users are tired of empty promises and Emfuleni's total disregard for our health by allowing dirty, untreated water to run into the Vaal River", Wepener said.

River users who hailed the court order expressed dismay that it was once again necessary to go to court to compel Emfuleni to do proper maintenance and to stop polluting the Vaal River. "When will they learn?" a skier exclaimed. "We are here for Easter to enjoy the River whilst Emfuleni is spoiling it for us time and time again".

"We will be doing water tests after four months and promise further action by SAVE should we find that Emfuleni continues to disregard the right of the public to a clean River", Wepener said.

Donations to SAVE can be made into its account at FNB Vanderbijl Park (25094500) account number 512-900-844-03 - fax payment record to 086 672 9361

Issued by SAVE

13 April 2009

Contact Lötter Wepener 082 552 4714