![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/11/48BEHARDSEWAGES_69732.jpg)
The City of Ekurhuleni attributed the overflowing of sewage from manholes in Harmelia Extension One to foreign objects, coagulated fats and rainwater in the sewerage system.
This comes after the property of Costa Mavronicolas was recently flooded by sewage on three occasions in October.
The NEWS reported on the matter of overflowing sewage in its November 11 edition.
ALSO READ:
According to Mavronicolas, the problem started about 12 years ago and occurs most frequently after heavy rains or a thunderstorm.
When the manhole overflows there is anywhere between 10cm and 12cm of sewage.
Besides the heavy rains, Mavronicolas attributed the sewage to inadequate infrastructure not being able to manage and cope with the amount of sewage.
Nhlanhla Cebekhulu, divisional head of communication and media relations for the City of Ekurhuleni, said the problem seems worse after rainstorms because of rainwater and sand entering the sewerage system.
“The re-routing of residential drainage system contributes to the problem.”
She said in this instance an obstruction caused a blockage in the sewerage line.
“The manhole was damaged on the upper side of the line and it fell into the sewer line. The debris of the manhole cover was causing the blockage.”
When asked if the city has any plans to upgrade the sewerage infrastructure in the area in question or what the plan is going forward, Cebekhulu said the city plans to sweep the sewerage lines more regularly.
“According to our investigation, the cause of blockages in Klopperpark and Harmelia is foreign objects being dumped into the manhole line.
“The department committed itself to sweep the lines during the month of November 2020.”
In the hopes of reducing the number of overflowing sewerage manholes, Cebekhulu advised residents not to connect drainage systems to sewerage systems or to use manholes as dustbins.
Also follow us on: