*STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY: SEWAGE LEAK CAUSES BIG STINK* *GOOD* Statement by *Grechard Petersen* , *GOOD* Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor 07 February 2025 The GOOD Party has formally submitted a letter of inquiry to the Office of the Municipal Manager of Stellenbosch Municipality in response to a significant sewage leak reported by residents of Riverside on the morning of 31 January 2025. This incident has raised concerns among community members regarding health risks and environmental impact. Residents reported an overwhelming stench of raw sewage permeating the air, with visible pollutants making their way into the Dwarsrivier. On inspection, it was clear that raw sewage was leaking from a municipal sewerage line near the Pniel Substation. Alarmingly, community members indicated that this was the third such incident within the current financial year, further exacerbating their distress and frustration. Compounding their worries are ongoing reports of sewage discharge from round manholes in Riverside Street and Eastend Crescent—serious issues that have remained unaddressed for over fifteen years. Despite repeated requests from residents for urgent infrastructure upgrades and numerous engagements with both the previous and current Executive Mayor and top senior municipal officials in community meetings, their pleas for budget and effective action have gone ignored. This consistent neglect has led to a growing sense of hopelessness and frustration within the community. “We have been trying to communicate our needs to the municipality for many years, but it feels as if we are speaking into a void,” stated a community member. “It is disheartening to see our community's pleas for a safe and healthy environment ignored year after year,” lamented one resident. The GOOD Party has written to the Municipal Manager to request the necessary funding is allocated to upgrade the wastewater and sewer system serving the Pniel substation. And that an Environmental Impact Assessment be conducted to evaluate the potential risks including environmental degradation, public health concerns and the impact on local ecosystems. The GOOD Party remains vigilant in advocating for the rights of residents and is committed to holding local authorities accountable for the health and welfare of the community.