Majority of blockages are caused by foreign objects that are disposed of into sewer manholes or flushed down toilets into the system on a daily basis. These include clothing, cutlery, newspapers, sanitary towels, disposable nappies and tyres.
This is according to Thokozani Maseko, divisional head for Water and Sanitation.
“This practice causes damage to municipal infrastructure and ends up posing a threat to human health. When sewage overflows into the streets, residents, particularly children, become exposed to illnesses caused by waterborne diseases which may be present in sewage affluent.
This financial year the municipality has budgeted R7.48-million for maintenance to prevent sewer blockages.
“A large portion of the money is spent on repairing damaged infrastructure and clearing these purposely caused blockages,” says metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
“The good news is we can all play a role to reduce the number of preventable blockages so that funds can be utilised towards developing a more effective system. It simply boils down to the proper disposal of waste.
“Instead of throwing unwanted objects down the sewer, utilise the waste management services provided by the municipality to dispose of waste safely and correctly.
“In addition to the weekly door-to-door refuse removal service provided, mini refuse sites and landfill sites are available for discarding other types of refuse and rubble.”
For more details on the location and use of these facilities, contact your nearest Waste Management Services Depot, their number is printed on the annual colour-coded refuse removal schedule. The list of disposal sites will also be made available on www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.
To ensure that sewer system runs smoothly, citizens are also encouraged to report blocked and overflowing drains, missing manhole covers and any prohibited acts such as opening of manhole covers to dispose of rubbish. Theft of manhole covers should also be reported to the police.
Complaints can be reported to the metro’s Municipal Services Call Centre on 086 054 3000 or through Twitter @EMM_Call_Centre or online at www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/report-it.
