Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom during thte oversight visit in Msukaligwa Local Municipality. 14 Sept 2026. | Photo: Department of Water and Sanitation
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom visited Msukaligwa Local Municipality on Monday, 14 September, as part of an oversight visit to assess water pollution linked to the Ermelo Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW).
Bloom was joined by Gert Sibande District Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Walter Mngomezulu and Msukaligwa Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Mapulane Nkosi during the visit.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), concerns centre around untreated and poorly treated sewage entering local water resources as a result of problems at the wastewater treatment works. The department has said poor operation and maintenance resulted in sewage bypassing treatment processes and entering surrounding water resources.
The delegation visited affected farming areas, the Breyten and Ermelo treatment works and water resources in the area. The visit also included De Roodepoort Farm, where the impact of under-treated effluent on surrounding communities and agricultural activities was assessed.
The programme concluded with an engagement involving farmers, agricultural organisations, community representatives, municipal officials and other stakeholders.
Stakeholders attend the community engagement held as part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s oversight visit to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. | Photo: Department of Water and Sanitation
After the oversight visit, DA Ward 7 Councillor J.J. Scholtz warned that Msukaligwa cannot afford to wait until water shortages become a full-scale crisis.
Pointing to concerns around declining dam levels, pollution and failing infrastructure, Scholtz cautioned that action was needed before the municipality reaches what he described as “Day Zero” — a point where water availability could place residents, farmers and businesses under severe pressure.
He also spoke about the concerns raised directly with Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom and why he believes national intervention is now critical.
Watch the video below for Scholtz’s full response following the oversight visit and his warning over the municipality’s water future.