The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng demands that the Gauteng Department of Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, urgently intervene to address the sewage crisis at Noordheuwel Clinic. Raw sewage is flowing like a river, threatening the health and safety of patients and staff.
During a recent oversight inspection, the DA also discovered that the female toilets at this clinic were blocked. This issue is contributing to the unhygienic nature of the environment. The stench from the effluent outside is incredibly unpleasant.
The DA further found that it took months of persistent requests for the Gauteng Department of Health to send a team from Mogale City’s Sanitation Department to investigate the issue. On 08 April 2025, they excavated a trench in search of the problem 40 metres away from the site of the wastewater. The trench remains open and poses a safety risk to everyone in the area. Meanwhile, the wastewater continues to flow uncontrollably and the drains overflow onto the grass, which is lush and green – a fertile ground for snakes.
See the video here.
This clinic embodies the neglect typically associated with Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s administration, where promises to enforce environmental laws are undermined by violations from both the provincial government and municipalities, particularly in their inability to maintain sewage systems in public health facilities.
A DA Gauteng-led provincial government will urgently review the sewage infrastructure across the province and engage municipalities to ensure sewage repairs are done on time.
The DA is committed to ensuring that the over 80 patients who visit Noordheuwel Clinic every day receive the quality and clean healthcare they deserve.