Councillor Mthembu explains the smell in Chartwell
CHARTWELL – Some Chartwell residents have been bothered by a mysterious smell that permeates the area. Ward 96 councillor Sbusiso Mthembu explains what causes it.
Residents of the Chartwell area in Fourways have made numerous complaints about the smell of sewage which at times permeates the area. The Fourways Review spoke to Ward 96 councillor Sbusiso Mthembu to find out what is happening.
“There are six wastewater treatment plants across the city, the largest being the [Johannesburg Water] Northern Works which is in the Diepsloot area behind Steyn City and Chartwell North,” Mthembu said. “It treats 450 million litres of wastewater every day from around 1,6 million people.”
The treatment site serves northern areas including Alexandra, Edenvale, Randburg, Sandton and parts of Midrand, and removes impurities from used water so that it can be reused.
Mthembu said that with these levels of use, it is unfortunate but unavoidable that unpleasant smells will emanate from the plant, caused by gases such as hydrogen sulphide and methane that are released because of the decomposition of organic materials in the wastewater.
“Dangerous levels of these gases may be present at the plant, but outside the boundaries of the sewage treatment plant, the concentration will be too low to cause any risk except for the nuisance value of it.
“The City of Johannesburg will, however, conduct inspections to ascertain whether any extraordinary operational issues are present at the wastewater treatment plant,” the councillor concluded.
Queries for the City of Johannesburg can be directed to the call centre on 0860 56 28 74 or via email joburgconnect@joburg.org.za
