Chemical discharge blocks sewer

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality said work is underway to address the sewerage problem affecting residents in different sections of Khalambazo, Ecaleni and the surrounding areas.

It was found over the weekend that a solid object had formed inside the sewer line at different sections covering more than 400m.

According to the metro’s spokesperson, Sam Modiba, preliminary investigations showed that a chemical discharged from a specific house was the cause of the blockage.

“The chemical was discharged in a liquid form. When it was inside the pipe, the liquid changed into a hard object, like a rock. This prevented movement inside the sewer with the only solution being to cut the pipe and replace it,” said Modiba.

Some portions of the sewer line have already been replaced and drilling work to replace the other blocked sections is continuing. The municipality also deployed vacuum trucks to suck the sewer on the upstream to assist affected communities whose lines are blocked, preventing them from using their ablution facilities. Further cleaning up of the network is scheduled to avoid diseases braking out due to the situation.

In the meantime, an interdepartmental bylaws enforcement team has been assigned to investigate the incident and take the necessary action against the owner of the property where the chemical was discharged from, as several municipal bylaws have been contravened.

“Chemicals are not supposed to be discharged into the sewer network. Any company wishing to discharge chemicals needs to do so in line with the applicable legislations and by laws,” said Modiba.

He pointed out that the municipality’s water quality and environmental management teams have taken samples of the chemical for testing and analysis. They will also advise sewerage works on the extent of the pollution coming to their plants.

Modiba said the municipality apologises for the inconvenience suffered by residents and assures them the perpetrators will be punished.