Save Albert Falls Association threatens legal action over sewage pollution

The Save Albert Falls Association has threatened legal action against the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and other authorities over sewage pollution affecting Albert Falls Dam. The voluntary organization, established to protect and rehabilitate the dam, the uMngeni River and their surrounding ecosystem, has sent a legal letter demanding urgent action.

Morné du Plessis of Morné du Plessis Attorney Inc stated that the letter was drafted by his office and served on the relevant parties. The letter outlined the association's concerns about the deterioration of the dam's ecological condition and water quality due to persistent sewage discharges, industrial effluents and wastewater sludge from underperforming infrastructure.

The association has given the municipality seven days to provide assurances that active sewage discharges have ceased, and 14 days to submit a comprehensive wastewater remedial action plan. If these demands are not met, the association reserves the right to file criminal charges against municipal officials under specific environmental legislation.

Local councillor Hazel Lake criticized the municipality's lack of response to her requests for remedial work, while the municipality's spokesperson confirmed that their legal team would handle the demand letter.