Bronkhorstspruit residents complain about raw sewage
Sewage leaks in Verster Park and Cultura Park were reported to the City of Tshwane's Department of Water and Sanitation and the enforcement branch in July 2021, and also a number of times thereafter.
Residents of Verster Park, Bronkhorstspruit, are complaining that raw sewage has been leaking in Cultura Park for more than 20 years and sometimes it also flows directly into the Bronkhorstspruit River.
The residents of this neighbourhood regularly reported the problem to the authorities for fear that the sewage will contaminate ground water.
The latest leak from which sewage had been spilling for about eight months, is apparently finally receiving much needed attention.
Resident and former councillor, Carin de Jager, said the problem is the mal-functioning of the pump.
The contractor has removed the pump at least seven times in the past three months.
“He did not even succeed to programme the pump.
“If and when the pump is working it is done manually. I have personally spoken to the contractor and it was clear to me that he is not committed,” she added.
“The cause of the problem apparently lies with the main drain pipe that was laid during the development of Cultura Park,” said resident Fasie Smit.
It is assumed that this pipe is far too narrow for the volume of sewage that has to flow through it, which results in the pipe clogging frequently and millions of liters of raw sewage spilling out.
The sewer pipeline runs from Cultura Park, through Cathie Street and past Verster Park.
Sewage leaks in Verster Park and Cultura Park were reported to the City of Tshwane’s Department of Water and Sanitation and the enforcement branch in July 2021, and also a number of times thereafter.
De Jager claims that the MMC Daryl Johnson does not want to make available the results of the water samples, although he said in a previous press release he will be keeping the community updated on the results of the water samples.
“Doctors requested by letter dated May 18 for the results but have not received anything to date.
“People’s health is affected but information is being withheld.
“What does the DA-coalition have to hide and how is it possible that not even a councillor can receive the results?” asked De Jager.
WATCH: Effluent from sewer spills into the Bronkhorstspruit River
She said that there was a meeting held on April 5 at her house with MMC Peter Sutton where these problems were discussed, as well as the appointment of this contractor.
“He was shocked to learn that the pump was not programmed and that it must be manually operated. He promised to revert back to me on the pump issue as well as other fraud and corruption matters. Hard evidence was handed to him. I am still awaiting feed back from Sutton. The contract with WWTSA- Water and Wastewater Technology Southern Africa should be terminated with immediate effect,” said De Jager.
“If the pump does not work, the pressure in the pipe builds up. Sewage makes gas and along with the pressure, it then causes the pipe to pop open were the pipe is welded,” explained de Jager.
“The contractor has already received more than R600 000 for the first two weeks up to and including May 13.
“WWTSA has been appointed to maintain and service all pumps in Bronkhorstspruit pumps.
“The problem is the contractor appointed by CoT to service and maintain all the pumps in Region 7 is not capable of doing what for which he has been appointed,” alleged De Jager.
WATCH: Sewage water flows into Bronkhorstspruit River
