The cause of the odour remains unknown, but the smell is affecting surrounding businesses situated next to the river on 94 Sandton Drive
Tenants have complained several times to the City of Joburg. “Two months ago a water pipe burst near 94 Sandton Drive which may have been the start of the problem,” said Justin Jones, an employee of Bank of Athens.
No one was seen on the property using the river as a dump site, but it could not be ruled out. According to Jones, more than six complaints have been made to the city council. “We are not nagging nannies here, we know the council will eventually sort it out,” said Jones.
The City came to look at the state of the river about six weeks ago, but according to Jones they didn’t inform the tenants of the cause of the smell.
“I noticed a growing smell two weeks ago. There has been odd spells, of almost a gas smell. That’s how ripe it’s getting,” said Bradley Coertzen of Guard Track.
Gordon Mackay of Ward 90 has reported it to Joburg Water. He said the entity was not convinced that it was sewage and would have to investigate. If the issue was sewage, they would respond immediately.
“It is a recurring problem in the area as property was built on wetlands. There are a number of issues around the water and sewerage mains,” said Mackay.
