SAHRC warns North West officials over worsening sewage and water crises in province clampdown

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has delivered a sharp rebuke to North West municipal and provincial officials over persistent sewage spills and water failures, warning that it is “not playing games” as it moves to enforce residents’ constitutional rights.

The commission summoned representatives from several municipalities and provincial departments to a tense meeting after receiving repeated complaints about untreated sewage flowing into communities, frequent water cuts and deteriorating water infrastructure across the province.

SAHRC commissioner Chris Nissen, who led the engagement, said the commission was alarmed by the scale and persistence of the problems, and by what it viewed as slow and inadequate responses from authorities responsible for water and sanitation.

Nissen stressed that access to clean water and a healthy environment are guaranteed by the South African constitution and that the state, at all levels, is obligated to protect those rights. He told officials that the commission would pursue stronger action if immediate, practical steps were not taken.

“We’re not playing games,” Nissen said, underscoring that the commission would not tolerate ongoing non-compliance with its recommendations or with national legislation governing water services and environmental protection.

Municipalities under pressure

The SAHRC meeting focused on municipalities that have been repeatedly identified as hotspots for sewage overflows, blocked or broken sewer lines, failing wastewater treatment works and unreliable water supply.

Officials were questioned about ageing or poorly maintained infrastructure, delayed repairs, alleged mismanagement of water services and long-standing backlogs in addressing sewage leaks that contaminate streets, yards and nearby rivers.

The commission asked each municipality to account for the status of key projects, explain why breakdowns were recurring, and provide clear time frames for fixing critical systems. It also sought detailed plans for improving maintenance and ensuring that human settlements are not exposed to raw sewage.

Nissen and his colleagues pressed local leaders to ensure that contractors are properly supervised, that technical teams are adequately staffed and skilled, and that budgets allocated for water and sanitation are used solely for their intended purpose.

Health and environmental concerns

The SAHRC highlighted the health risks posed by untreated sewage and inconsistent water supply, pointing to the increased likelihood of waterborne disease, as well as long-term damage to rivers, soil and grazing land.

The commission noted that many affected communities have been living with sewage spills for extended periods, with residents reporting foul odours, polluted streams and children playing near contaminated water.

Provincial officials were reminded that environmental degradation caused by failing wastewater infrastructure can take years to reverse and may violate both domestic law and South Africa’s international obligations on environmental and human rights protections.

The SAHRC also heard accounts of residents going without water for days at a time, forcing households to rely on unsafe alternative sources or on sporadic water tanker deliveries.

Demands for urgent action

At the conclusion of the meeting, the commission directed municipalities and provincial departments to submit updated action plans with concrete deadlines, technical details and clear lines of responsibility for resolving the sewage and water crises.

Nissen told officials that the SAHRC would closely monitor progress, conduct follow-up inspections and, where necessary, consider further legal steps to enforce compliance.

He stressed that the commission expected visible improvements on the ground, not just policy documents and promises, and insisted that communities must be kept informed about repair timelines and emergency measures when services fail.

The SAHRC indicated it would continue to engage with national departments responsible for water and environmental affairs to ensure better coordination and support for struggling municipalities in North West.

By placing North West authorities on notice and demanding firm commitments, the commission signalled that it intends to step up pressure until sewage spills are contained, infrastructure is stabilised and residents receive consistent access to safe, reliable water.