Something stinks in Farmall

Ben Jowitt witnessed the horrifying sight of sewage pouring into the Klein Jukskei River on 24 November, while Gavin Tonks has often seen his dams and ponds filled with a foul-smelling foam. Tonks is convinced the root of the problem lies upstream, in Cosmo City. He alleged that residents of Cosmo City were deliberately blocking drains with plastic bottles as they have discovered a treasure trove of things like jewellery and money which come through the sewerage pipes.

Honeydew police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said she was unaware of this situation as police have never been alerted to or witnessed Cosmo City residents deliberately blocking drains. Obert Mlaudzi, deputy chairperson of the Honeydew Community Policing Forum and resident of Cosmo City said he was not aware of residents deliberately blocking drains in his suburb.

He explained the problem of sewage overflows can rather be attributed to the ever-increasing population in Cosmo City while the infrastructure remains the same.

Councillor for Ward 96, Matome Mafokwane said the problem of sewage overflows has a devastating impact as far as the environment is concerned.

Commenting specifically on the recent sewage leak into the Klein Jukskei River, Eleanor Mavimbela of Joburg Water said the rising water main in Farmall had overflowed on 24 November due to a pipe that had been broken by a contractor working on-site. She said a team from Joburg Water had since repaired the pipe and the rising water main in Farmall.

Mafokwane commended the residents of Farmall for reporting and highlighting the plight of the rivers and the environment.