Water contamination is a real concern as four water pumps are continuously failing at the Jukskei sewerage pump station.
Jukskei Park residents and Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana are fed up with delays in preventing sewage contamination into the Klein Jukskei River.
“My question to Joburg Water is, why they haven’t fixed the sewerage plant yet?” asked concerned resident from Jukskei Park Anne van Vliet. In a walk through Jukskei Park with Santana in March this year, he voiced his concerns about the old and over-worked sewerage station that is located on the old Witkoppen Bridge.
“What is truly worrying is that a main sewerage pipe runs along the bridge. If the bridge collapses due to its age and the massive blockage, the sewerage pipe will come down with it,” commented Santana.
During September, it seems the problem worsened.
Santana explained that there are four pumps at the station and they service a large area all the way to Cedar Road.
“When one pump is faulty, it puts pressure on the other three. They then become blocked and the sewage ends up in the water,” added Santana.
He continued, “The station is overworked and it is too small to compensate for the growth of the community.”
Joburg Water acting marketing and communications officer David Sibiya said, “[Joburg Water] is aware of the challenge as stated. We are preparing a tender to refurbish the pump station.”
Santana further suggested that, “We need a bigger plan to alleviate the issue. If not to redirect the flow then there needs to be an upgrade.”
Sibiya concluded, “It is estimated that the contractor will be on site to start with the project in early 2016.”
Details: Ward 115 councillor Chris Santana, 082 416 7714; Joburg Water 011 688 1400.
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