Sewage at Willow Park still a concern
“There are regular spills from the Sycamore Drive manhole, at least every two weeks.”
Despite efforts of community members to keep Willow Park useable and presentable, grass in the park is overgrown, a dustbin lies in one of the stormwater servitudes and sewage allegedly flows into the dam in the park.
According to Ward 19 Clr Bill Rundle, sewage flows frequently from a manhole located on Sycamore Drive, which runs parallel to the park, into the dam.
The same dam where approximately 90 fish died in 2017 because of a similar issue. At the time, a sewer blockage on the corner of Hendrik Potgieter Avenue and Elm Street caused the death of the fish.
Rundle said the latest sewage leak from Sycamore Drive has occurred on and off for approximately three to four months. He has not been made aware of any dead fish.
However, Rundle did say there appears to be less waterfowl at Willow Park compared to the dam at Frank Marett Park, which also falls in his ward.
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“There are regular spills from the Sycamore Drive manhole, at least every two weeks,” said Rundle.
“The matter seems to get worse when there is rainy weather.”
He explained that when a large amount of sewage flows into the dam it changes the colour of the water in the dam.
“When I escalate the matter of the park being unmaintained or the sewage flowing into the dam to the city, I am given excuses or told there is no budget,” said Rundle.
Last year during stricter lockdown levels, Dowerglen resident Ray Hogg spoke to the NEWS about a clean-up initiative he started for the park.
The residents of the surrounding area cleared overgrown foliage, rebuilt damaged bridges, benches and cleared a new pathway for park goers.
Although the community stepped up and worked together to bring the park to its former glory Hogg had called on the municipality for assistance doing general maintenance of the park.
“I have heard some rumours of residents in the area wanting to start something like an independent ratepayers’ association and withholding funds from the municipality, as a DA ward councillor I cannot support this.
“All of the infrastructure belongs to the City of Ekurhuleni, residents need to think of alternative options such as those offered by the courts.”
A request for comment was sent to the CoE on March 4 requesting comment by March 5 at 2pm.
This is a developing story and comment from the City of Ekurhuleni will be added once received.
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