As the pervasive smell of sewage wafts over the Eastleigh Spruit, community members and ward councillors have raised concerns about pollutants entering Edenvale’s water system.
This continuous problem dates back years and was highlighted in recent months through multiple sewerage blockages and sewage leaks.
Sewage was again identified by Dr Irwin Juckes of Edenvale River Watch, and Eastleigh residents to be flowing into the Buurendal attenuation dam and flowing from the stormwater outfall at the corner of Kruin and Finger streets.
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Following these reports, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Water and Sanitation Department tended to at least four sewerage blockages suspected of contributing to the pollution.
The blockages were along Corobrik Road (Meadowdale), Brickfield Road, Sam Green Street (Tunney) and the corner of Kruin and Finger streets (border of Harmelia and Klopperpark).
Community members highlighted their concern once more after smells of sewage started stemming from the stormwater system became unbearable and identifiably coloured water was entering the system.
While at the storm water outfall at the corner of Kruin and Finger streets, Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said, “Whatever has happened further up the line has gotten worse.”
“The city has acknowledged there is a problem, and responded by letting us know it is coming from one of the industrial areas.”
Despite this, Guerreiro was adamant more than a blockage caused the recent spills in the industrial areas.
“Unfortunately, it is just getting worse.”
When asked if the flowing sewage ever stops, Guerreiro said no, it continuously flows.
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Guerreiro said that compared to the July visit he and the NEWS conducted to the location, the smell has worsened and it also appeared that there was more litter.
“The city acknowledges there is a problem but what is being done about it?” asked Guerreiro.
“It should be simple. The department must go to the source and unblock it, ensuring the sewage flows correctly.
“Once that has been done, rehabilitation needs to start.”
Guerreiro said despite the city acknowledging the problem, no MMC has visited the storm water outfall and experienced what residents have to live with.
Speaking on behalf of his community, Guerreiro said residents have complained bitterly about the situation.He said some residents in the area have breathing problems while others are elderly.
“Having to smell and live with this mess daily, I am concerned for my residents’ well-being.”
According to Guerreiro, just in ward 92, there are four streams and storm water servitudes polluted with sewage and litter.
“The hot days make the smell worse and now that we are entering our summer, the heat will turn the servitude into a breeding ground for bacteria.”
Guerreiro also pointed out that unless rehabilitation occurs with the rainy season approaching, all the sewage matter will be washed downstream and into Edenvale.
A request for comment was sent to the CoE on September 11, requesting comment by September 13.
At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
