Joburg Water repairs sewer pipe on Vale Avenue

Nombuso Shabalala, Spokesperson for Johannesburg said Joburg Water is aware of the sewer issues affecting Randburg

Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

January 14, 2025

Sewage flows into the Ferndale spruit. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

Residents on Vale Avenue can finally breathe easier and open their windows for fresh air after experiencing a foul odour caused by a sewer pipe burst at the Ferndale spruit.
Sewage flowed into the spruit, creating a stench for the nearby residents.

Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer said this sewage issue had been going on for at least two years. They have also noticed that, once one sewerage pipe section along the spruit is fixed, another one bursts.

Sewage can be seen in the Ferndale spruit. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

“The stench was unbelievably bad,” said Koekemoer. “Residents could not open windows in their homes or step outside without being nauseated by the overwhelming smell of sewage. I feel the patchwork approach that JW has embarked on is not sustainable, however, it does provide some relief. Our infrastructure along our green belts needs to be audited and addressed as a crisis.”

The spokesperson for Johannesburg Water Nombuso Shabalala said they were aware of the issues of sewer pipe bursts in the Randburg area.
She added the repairs in this instance took longer because the same pipe had multiple bursts.

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“A portion of the burst pipe has been repaired, which was the initial burst that required repairs. Upon further assessments, however, another burst was discovered, and the contractor had to process and prepare for the repairs.”

Sewage runs into the Ferndale spruit. Photo: Mthulisi Lwazi Khuboni

She explained the turnaround time for repairs of a sewer pipe burst was normally 24 hours, however, this could fluctuate due to the nature of the work, and the labour and machinery needed.

“For example, when more specialised equipment is needed such as a jetting truck, then it can take up to four days. If the job necessitates an external contractor to be hired, then the process can take up to 10 days, excluding the administrative process of appointing a service provider.”