Conservancy group wary of constant manhole blockages and leaks into wetlands

The Glen Austin Conservancy (GAC) group is wary of attempts by various developers to connect to the already strained 160mm sewer pipeline on Austin Road.

Deputy chairperson Judy Bird and Theo Heymans, a non-executive member of the GAC, said this when they met with the paper on July 3.

The meeting came after one of the sewer line’s manholes in Austin Road, had been blocked. This was brought to the paper’s attention by a Glen Austin resident on June 28.
The manhole has been subsequently fixed.

Read more: Glen Austin Conservancy says Pitzer Road still not rehabilitated for over two months

Bird and Heymans said the blockage was for the third time in just six months.

Bird and Heymans then met with two Johannesburg Water (JW) representatives on July 4 to outline their frustration with the sewer line.
“The aim of the meeting was to review the state of the sewer along Austin Road, and the implications for our wetland. To also discuss our concerns regarding new developments taking place upstream of the existing infrastructure. We walked across Old Olifantsfontein Road to the wetland to show the recent, extensive, sewer spillage from the manhole located inside the Wetland,” said Bird.

She said this was noted as being foul smelling, and covering a detrimentally large area of the Rietspruit wetland.

Also read: Joburg Water to repair and reinstate pipes on Pitzer Road

Heymans said they explained to the officials that this is a regular occurrence, and has never been as bad as it was recently. “This wetland is home to important wildlife and biodiversity. Upon walking further up Austin Road, we all noted that storm water had eroded much of the side of the road and exposed the sewer pipe. This exposed pipe was agreed to be 160mm diameter as indicated on the pipe,” said Heymans.

He explained that, as far as he was aware, this pipe was laid in order to service a company building, which employs around 20 employees.

“Increasing occupancy in these apartment developments is most likely the cause of the growing incidents of sewerage overflows, and that the existing 160mm [pipe] is probably inadequate to service such,” said Heymans. She continued to highlight the problems the Glen Austin residents encounter, regarding water supply; how it is often disrupted or the pressure reduced. She is concerned as to how the existing supply and infrastructure will cope with the increase in demand upon the completion of the apartment developments.

JW was contacted for a comment on July 4 and 8, but had not responded at the time of going to print.

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