Sewer blockages cause discomfort for residents
When the sewer line blockage occurs, the units become flooded with raw sewage, according to Marais.
Sewer blockages have made life very difficult and unpleasant for businesses and complexes situated along the vlei running behind the greenbelt on Florin Road in Wilgeheuwel.
The business and property owners in that precinct have not only been exposed to health hazards but also the major risk of losing clients due to the stench and occasional flooding of some properties whenever there is a blockage.
According to Jackie Marais, the property manager of an affected complex, Greenway Wood on Florin Road in Wilgeheuwel, the problem dates from late last year, with the first complaint being logged on 24 December.
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Jackie shared her understanding of how sewage ends up flooding units at the complex. “Just behind the Retail Crossing Centre, there is a vlei. Over and over again the manhole in this vlei gets blocked with all the sewage that flows from all the complexes, houses and shopping centres from the top of the hill. Once this manhole gets blocked, the sewage backs up at the complex [Greenway], and comes into the units,” she explained.
This problem has received attention from a business owner in Riverview Shopping Centre (not far from the complex), Malyssa Hattingh, who complained that her customers are suffering due to the disgusting smell emanating from the vlei.
Malyssa, who owns the Flying Dutchman pub, described how sewage affected her business. “It’s a real issue for me because my patrons cannot sit outside on a sunny day without the horrific smell of excrement wafting forth, right outside people’s homes,” she complained.
Marais alleged that Ward 97 councillor Leah Knott was aware of the problem. In response, Knott said she was not aware that matter was not being resolved. “The last time they escalated a blocked sewage line was several months ago and Joburg Water attended to it,” she said.
Knott explained the cause of the problem. “The biggest issue on that side [Florin Road] as well as near Featherbrooke Village is incorrect usage of the sewage system. Joburg Water finds a lot of fat etc. … mainly dumped by restaurants into the system. Joburg Water also previously found items such as wet wipes and face cloths inside the line along Florin Road,” she disclosed.
Knott said she cautioned residents about the matter previously. “I sent out a message to all residents at that time, to ensure that they did not flush foreign objects down toilets as they cause blockages,” she concluded.
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