A new and dangerous practice has reared its head within the City of Johannesburg – the mining for valuables and precious metals inside sewer lines.
This according to MMC for Environment and Infrastructure services, Nico de Jager. He said he has been informed of people gaining access to our sewer lines, causing blockages in the system by obstructing the flow of sewage and then sifting for valuables like jewellery.
The MMC said this dangerous practice is saddening and a sign of the city’s high level of unemployment.
But this is now also causing damage to existing infrastructure. “I appeal to the residents of Johannesburg to take care of sewer and sanitation infrastructure by appropriately disposing of waste such as cotton buds, nappies, paper and rags.
“Johannesburg Water is able to successfully unblock sewer lines, but it places unnecessary strain on sewer lines when solid waste blocks the system.”
De Jager said when solid waste is wrongfully disposed of in the sewer system, it also negatively impacts the system and leads to unnecessary operational expenses.
“We have over 45 000 water leaks in our water pipes and our City has an unfunded infrastructure backlog which sits at R170 billion over the next 10 years. However, the City only has R10 billion to address a R170-billion shortfall,” he said.
“As residents, we all have the responsibility to look after shared infrastructure. We can only turn Johannesburg into a city that works if we all work together.”
Details: Residents can report suspicious activity to Metro police 24/7 hotline on 011 758 9650.
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