FOLLOW UP: Illegal sewage connections to blame for Bullfrog Pan leaks
Insoluble material, such as plastic, cans, balls and building material, contributes to frequent blockages.
The pump stations around Bullfrog Pan will soon be upgraded in an attempt to curb continuous sewage spills into the pan and adjacent streets.
This comes in light of a recent article in the City Times (February 18).
In a comment received from Zweli Dlamini, spokesperson for the metro, sewer misuse and illegal connections of stormwater into the sewer system is to blame for the continuous spills.
ALSO READ: Residents are fed up with the stink
“The pump station is inspected daily; however, it has been increased due to the high volumes of water entering the facility,” he said.
“The sewage system is not designed to carry the influx of water like we have been experiencing, yet residents, businesses and developers have made these connections that, in turn, have put the pump stations under severe pressure.”
He continued by saying illegal dumping of insoluble material, such as plastic, cans, balls and building material, also contributes to frequent blockages.
“We are in the process of upgrading the pumps, but in the meantime are monitoring the pump station closely and continuing with regular sump cleaning.”
According to André du Plessis, MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, he is concerned that one of the few natural breeding grounds for the endangered African bullfrog could face collapse due to the continuous sewage leaks in and around the pan.
ALSO READ: Locals urged to preserve bullfrogs
“I will be monitoring the maintenance of the sewer infrastructure and have requested our environmental compliance inspector to issue the water and sanitation department with an official notification to prevent further pollution of this wetland,” he said.
