‘Sewage is not overlooked’
Your sewage related complaints and concerns are receiving attention says Ekurhuleni ...
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2014/08/36ARGENERALRESPONSEP_670615036.jpg)
OVER the last financial year July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014 a total number of 11 739 complaints were received for sewer blockages in
the area serviced by the Alberton CCA.
80 per cent of these complaints were attended to within 48 hours.
31 per cent of complaints received were due to roots of trees on sewer lines or in and next to servitudes.
27 per cent of complaints received were due to sand in sewer lines.
Sand is washed in by rain water or due to construction close to sewer lines.
22 per cent of complaints received were due to rags deliberately being dumped into sewer lines.
20 per cent of complaints received were due to other reasons, which will include fat deposited into lines by shops and other foreign objects.
The theft of manhole covers are leaving sewer lines exposed. Problem areas include Verwoerdpark, New Redruth and Raceview.
In some areas, the concrete manhole covers are stolen to get to the reinforcing steel inside the covers, and the remaining concrete thrown into the system to block it.
In Greenfields, Phola Park and the open land west of Brackendowns the cattle-herders are deliberately blocking the sewer lines to allow their cattle to drink from the spilling sewer.
In summary, almost all blockages occur because of the illegal activities of the users of the systems, being: a) Allowing trees near sewer lines within servitudes; b) Throwing or allowing sand, rags and other foreign objects in the sewer; and c) Deliberately sabotaging of the system.
The Council and Council employees are here to render a service to the consumers and are committed to that. We do, however, need the cooperation of the users in our work.
Complaints can be forwarded to the 24 hour services Call Centre on 086 054 3000. Alternatively the public can contact the Water Department in Alberton during office hours on 011 999 2647/51. Emails can be sent to water.alberton@ekurhuleni.gov.za