Getting to the root of the matter

Raw sewage was leaking for about three weeks from a manhole on Scott Street , flowing into a small stream that joins up with Ncandu River.

Dr Dumisani Thabethe, customers relations manager from the municipality’s water services, said the blockage was caused by tree roots, but the problem has since been solved.

He added that it would appear from this and other blockages that the sewer cleaning team only released blockages using a small diameter spring. They did not use a root cutter afterwards to ensure large obstructions and roots had been removed.

“The foreman has been instructed to monitor the clearing of blockages more closely,” Dr Thabethe concluded.