Mangaung:Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister Dr. Jack Bloom is set to visit Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State to examine sewage pollution issues and drowning risks linked to an unsecured quarry.

According to South African Government News Agency, the visit scheduled for Monday, 12 October 2026, will include inspections of key locations such as the Sterkwater and Botshabelo wastewater treatment facilities. The Deputy Minister will also investigate sewage contamination at Renosterspruit and assess safety protocols at Heidedal Quarry.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has stated that Bloom's oversight visit will evaluate the condition of wastewater infrastructure, environmental compliance, and the impact of pollution on local communities and water users. The objective is to identify required measures to address these reported problems.

At Sterkwater Wastewater Treatment Works, Bloom will review the facility's operational status, including the state of critical equipment, maintenance backlogs, and effluent quality. He will also look into environmental compliance and the timeline for necessary repairs.

The Deputy Minister's investigation at Renosterspruit will focus on identifying the sources and extent of sewage pollution, its impact on residents and farmers, and the actions being taken to mitigate the contamination. He will also determine which authorities are responsible for remediation efforts.

At Heidedal Quarry, Bloom will inspect the site's access, fencing adequacy, and other safety measures due to reports of repeated drownings. He aims to identify the party responsible for securing the quarry.

The final stop of the inspection will be Botshabelo Wastewater Treatment Works, where Bloom will examine reports of untreated or partially treated wastewater discharges. The inspection will assess the plant's operational performance, maintenance, compliance with environmental standards, and potential risks to nearby communities and downstream water resources.