Relief from persistent sewage on Joe Slovo Drive

Resident of the area Marcus Byrne has been reporting the leaks since 25 September, with only intermittent success, as he notes that they flow frequently.

Although the spillage has since been fixed after weeks of correspondence with the City, Byrne had to sometimes cycle through the sewage from home to his work place.

“It is a public health issue, there are three schools in the area and a hospital up the hill,” said Byrne.

Johannesburg Water’s policy is to have leaks fixed within 24 hours of it being reported. Byrne recalls that it takes roughly two days, and cites his concerns over consistency of the leaks and the damage that they may be causing to the road.

Johannesburg Roads Agency spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers does concede that a persistent sewage leak will degrade the surface of the road, but noted that Johannesburg Water would have to give comment on the condition of the sewage pipes.

Ward 73 councillor Marcelle Ravid has been following up on the sewage issue with Johannesburg Water, and has been informed by the department that the problem stems from an old sewage pipe linked to some old toilets on Louis Botha Avenue.

City officials have confirmed to her that the pipe causing the leakage will be fixed in the upcoming weeks, hopefully bringing some relief for residents who have had to endure the intermittent floods.

Johannesburg Water could not be contacted for comment before publishing.