CoE launches operation to tackle sewer issues

The City of Ekurhuleni resolves over 5 000 sewer complaints a month on average and spends nearly R364m annually on sewer maintenance.

This includes the discarding of foreign objects from the system, which is identified as the main cause of many blockages.
Operation Siyakhuculula Manje-Namhlanje was launched last week by the city to end sewer spills throughout Ekurhuleni.

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MMC for Water, Sanitation, and Energy, Thembi Msane, took the lead and pulled up her sleeves to help clean the local sewer system by using a drain rodding technique.

“The campaign aims to restore dignity to communities because no one should live in an area where sewerage spillages are a norm,” said Msane.

“The debris from the manholes are items that either accidentally slipped into the lines or were illegally dumped by people unfamiliar or unconcerned with the damage to the municipal infrastructure.

“The latter is a big concern because we need communities on board to help prevent blockages.”

Msane raised concerns over the items that were found during the cleaning process, which included animal carcasses, utensils, car parts and bulkier items of mysterious origin, including tires and mattresses.

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Parallel to the physical work being done on the sewer lines was public education and awareness of the health hazards and effects of throwing foreign objects into manholes.

Part of the operation will include the sweeping of sewer lines, replacement of faulty lines and the repair of manholes throughout the CoE.