Sewage frequently ascends a blocked pipe, and spreads along a brick road in Sundowner Lakes complex, Sundowner. Chairperson of Sundowner Lakes Body Corporate Sharon van Blerk explains that an underground sewage pipe was probably damaged by the roots of trees or plants in the neighbouring Sundowner Park in May last year. Ever since then, the pipe regularly becomes blocked and sewage surfaces in the complex to the disdain of residents.
This has been occurring more frequently of late. “Plumbers will unblock the hole on our side, and then it will be okay for two or three weeks,” van Blerk said. “The underlying issue is that the pipe is damaged in the park side.” Van Blerk and resident Steve Wright complained to Johannesburg Water in June, with no response yet. They claim that a lake in the park is being polluted as a result of the regular leaks.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley said that Johannesburg Water has been asked for assistance. Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water spokesperson Millicent Kabwe on 2 October but no response has been received yet. “I am not aware of this,” said Ward 114 councillor Maureen Schneemann. “Some good citizens just report it straight to [Johannesburg] Water and don’t involve me. I will try to find out.”
Resident Westley King said, “It’s pointless us fixing the pipe on this side if they don’t fix it on the park’s side.” Other residents in the complex echo this sentiment. Sundowner Resident’s Association Chairperson Mark Klinkert said that more sewage pipes have been exposed in the park and there is potential for more sewage leaks. Van Blerk said that the affected road in the complex is “caving in” because of the problem.
Details: Johannesburg Water 011 688 1699; Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo 011 712 6600; Ward 114 councillor Maureen Schneemann 083 297 1128; Sundowner Resident’s Association 083 293 1202.
