Although the metro was named the greenest city in the country it does not look as if it cares about its parks.
The GCN visited the park situated along Pine and Wit streets in Marlands on Thursday after receiving a complaint about a leaking sewerage pipe, as well as the way the metro was destroying the stream which runs through the park.
The leaking pipe was brought to the attention of the GCN by Ross Jordan a number of weeks ago and the metro assured the newspaper that the pipe had been unblocked and that the sewage would stop leaking into the dam.
Ross confirmed that the pipe had been unblocked but that the sewerage line had not been repaired and the sewage had started leaking again.
“This sewage flows into the stream and dam, then into the Klip River which feeds the Vaal River and finally ends up in the Vaal Dam,” Ross said.
Ross added that currently there were workers trying to repair the rusted pipe by welding it but it should really be replaced.
The GCN met up with Ross’s father John on Thursday to have a look at the sewerage pipe, as well as the state of the park.
The sewerage pipe was leaking and while the GCN was there sub-contractors arrived to start welding the pipe.
John told the GCN he approached the sub-contractors and had been told they are based in Durban.
The sewerage line runs over the small dam and this is filled with sewage and stinks, posing a serious health risk.
John is also concerned about the fact that metro employees who are busy with grading work in the park are dumping trees, debris and rubble into the stream that runs through the park.
“The stream is being destroyed by the metro,” John said.
“I also want to know what the metro is doing in the park – what are the plans for it.”
Another problem the GCN noticed thanks to John’s knowledge of the area was the fact the sewage junction nearby is a huge safety risk.
The palisade fence has been broken down and the covers over the sewerage holes are missing.
“People have been climbing into the holes and digging out the sewage and then going through it for valuables,” said John.
“They do the same thing at the sewerage line, removing the covers and digging holes along it.”
While at the park, the GCN witnessed one of the metro parks employees littering in the park – when she was asked to pick up her litter she was not very impressed.
John added that he also saw that trees were being cut down by the metro employees and when he asked them about it he was told that they cut up the trees and sell the wood.
The GCN approached the metro with questions regarding all the issues raised above.
However, they only gave the following response:
Sam Modiba, spokesman for the metro said, “A contractor has been appointed for the replacement of the section of pipe that is crossing the spruit.
“Please be advised that the line is designed to cross the spruit above ground to avoid having a sewer pump station, which isn’t cost effective.
“The contractor has placed an order for pipes and the supplier has indicated that the delivery time will be after four weeks.
“We will, therefore, immediately commence with the work upon receipt of the pipes.”
