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A sewerage treatment plant.
Security officers stationed at the Biesiesvlei sewer plant outside Lichtenburg in the North West are raising concerns about their health and working environment.
They say they have not received their required annual chemical exposure injections for the past three years, leaving them vulnerable to infections and chronic illnesses.
Despite repeated complaints to their contractor and the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, the workers say their pleas have been ignored.
One of the affected security officers is 34-year-old Tshwetli Morakabi, who has been employed at the sewer plant for several years.
Morakabi says his health was good at first but after the injections were stopped, things drastically changed.
”My condition has worsened, and I’ve developed an infection. My skin has changed and turned black. I’m experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath. I was completely fine before but ever since the company stopped providing us with the necessary injections, my health has deteriorated. At night, I struggle with asthma and I now have to see a doctor next week for a check-up.”
Meanwhile, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality says it is the service provider’s responsibility to ensure that workers at various sewer treatment plants receive vaccinations.
Municipal spokesperson Letlhogonolo March,says they will engage the employer to ensure that affected employees receive the necessary medical protection.
”Logistical process are unfolding and the matter will be addressed in due course. The municipality has appointed the service provider to secure all of our infrastructure within the district. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the service provider to ensure that they are also vaccinated. We are in engagement with the said service provider to ensure the process unfolds as well.”
Meanwhile, residents of Danville township and neighbouring villages in Mahikeng in the North West say they have had had to endure an unbearable stench in the township.
They have lodged complaints regarding a canal passing on the edge of the township.
SABC News was taken to a nearby sewage plant, which releases this water that finds its way to the river, downstream.
More details in the report below:
