Bruma Lake rehabilitation nears completion

The Bruma Lake rehabilitation project is nearing its end.

The project resulted after years of complaints from residents and business about the bad smell emanating from the lake.

The stench of the lake has been eliminated and there are now new shopping opportunities.

Providing an update on the latest regarding the upgrade, City of Joburg (CoJ) spokesperson, Mr Nthatisi Modingoane, said the project is almost complete.

“Only the bridge’s construction needs to be finalised. The bridge is important, it is an iconic feature of the area. It has sentimental value to most of the residents. It has been standing since the 1980s, so the originality of the bridge will be retained,” said Mr Modingoane.

He said there have been challenges with the sub contractors and other factors, which caused delays, but everything is back on track.

“The park opening was envisaged for the end of November and the beginning of December 2015, but due to the heat wave we experienced, the city cannot open the park to the public until such time as the grass takes shape.

“At this stage, the grass is vulnerable to damage should the park be opened to the public. The residents can look forward to a new, state of the art park within the Bruma Lake business precinct that blends in with the surrounding business community and the public at large,” said Mr Modingoane.

The Bruma Lake rehabilitation rolled-out in two phases.

The first phase included draining the lake and drying the silt.

The Jukskei River was diverted from the centre of the lake, giving way to the construction of the channel.

The second phase was landscaping.

The water contamination in Bruma Lake was caused by washing powder, motor oil, sewage, litter and other debris flowing into the lake from the Jukskei River.