Sewer mining cause of Jukskei sewerage ingress
Alternative methods to remedy the sewerage issue at Jukskei River had to be used
According to Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, ‘wannabe’ miners in Johannesburg CBD deliberately block sewer pipes with mattresses to mine for jewellery and cellphones causing sewerage ingress in the Jukskei River.
Humphreys said that the source of the problem was Queen Street in Johannesburg.
“I have communicated with the City of Johannesburg. The chief water engineer was unavailable,” she explained.
Humphreys mentioned that a few weeks ago the stench from the river was horrendous and major intervention was needed.
Also read: Joburg Water to address Jukskei pollution
“The damage was so bad and had been going on for so long. A biological method of cleaning the water and not a chemical method was used,” explained Humphreys. An unconventional method was used to remedy the matter.
“The area that was to be treated was dammed up because sludge builds up at the base of the river, bacteria enzyme was used which causes the sludge to come up and using biological oxidation the sludge was broken down,” she further explained.
After 10 days, the water was clearer, she said.
“There is still residual sludge – it’s better but not fine.”
