Sewage woes in Fourways flow
FOURWAYS GARDENS – A sewage leak which sprung in December has finally been addressed by the City, but that does not mean an end to the water woes in the area.
Residents around the Fourways Mall area will finally be able to breathe again now that the sewage spill in the area is being addressed.
The leak began in mid-December last year when ongoing construction at the mall led to a sewerage pipe being damaged by contractors working in the area.
The leak occurred on the mall grounds, close to where the mall’s dam used to be. Although Joburg Water did repair it at the time, sewage still ran as specialised digging equipment was needed to complete the repairs. Both residents and the environment were affected by the issue.
“It is absolutely disgusting being subjected to this raw sewage. I am a resident along the boundary of Fairfield Estate along the river down from Fourways Mall,” explained Andrew Doig, who reached out to the Fourways Review about his concerns. “The smell is overpowering, there will no doubt be health implications to all who are subject to the leak.
“To the best of my knowledge, the area bordering Fairfield Estate is a protected area for the African bullfrog. Not to mention the effect on house prices in the area. There are a number of small dams downriver of this leak which will no doubt be contaminated by this sewage.”
Although the leak appeared on Fourways Mall property, the infrastructure itself belongs to the City.
After receiving numerous complaints about the leak, councillor for Ward 94 David Foley became involved, visiting the site on 23 March to see the issue for himself and contacting both Joburg Water and other City officials about the matter.
“The [initial] repair was completed a week before Christmas,” he explained.
“But during this time it was discovered that at least 100 metres of pipe [on Fourways Mall property where the leak occurred] needed to be repaired.”
Because of the large cost of these replacements and repairs, the normal City of Joburg capital expenditure procedures applied, which Foley explained was the reason for the delay. Since he became involved, the team behind the Fourways Mall construction has pledged to work with the City on repairing the issue.
“Work began on 25 March and should be completed in the next two weeks or so.
From a health perspective, in a week or so the City will go to the water sources [particularly around the Fairfields Estate] and add biochemicals to them to address the impact of the sewage. This remedial work is quite critical.”
The company behind the work at the mall also gave some clarification to the work now being done to address the leak.
On behalf of Fourways Mall, Zoé Van Onselen added, “The council is engaging in ongoing remedial work and has committed to installing 120 meters of new piping over the coming weeks, including new sand and bedrock.
“Residents should report any water or sewage-related issues to the City of Joburg on 011 375 5555 as soon as possible, or they can report them on Twitter @JoburgWater.”
Unfortunately, this is not the end of sewage woes for the stretch of William Nicol Drive. Foley also told the Fourways Review that another sewage leak appears to have sprouted a few metres away from the first leak.
“Although both leaks fall under Joburg Water, the side of the initial leak happened on the Randburg side while this new leak is on the Zandfontein side. I have contacted officials about the matter.”
Eleanor Mavimbela, the spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, has acknowledged receipt of the Fourways Review’s query regarding these issues but could not give comment at the time of going to print as she was still investigating the matters.
