Sewer infrastructure and streetlights a high priority

Ward 38 councillor Malcolm Maifala-Masebe assured residents of Brackenhurst and Brackendowns to relentlessly address issues such as non-functioning streetlights and the sewer infrastructure.

During a recent virtual meeting held on January 25, the councillor told residents that with safety being one of the focus areas this year, it is important to deal with streetlights not working at night.

He said residents are facing a real security risk.

“This was witnessed more especially when streetlights were not regarded as a priority during various levels of the lockdown. I would hear that residents have been victims of crime because of non-functioning streetlights,” said Maifala-Masebe.

Given that sewer pops up more especially during the rainy season, Maifala-Masebe also gave an update on the work council has been doing in addressing the issue.

“A report received from the sewer department indicates that a consultant appointed under the previous panel of consultants was appointed up to stage two of design, which is the preliminary design stage,” he said.

Measures

According to Maifala-Masebe, the consultant recommended actions including CCTV camera inspection and pipe cleaning.

Flow measurements on failing infrastructure to determine the extent of replacement or refurbishments required on sewer networks were also recommended.

He said the previous panel of consultant’s contract expired before the finalisation of designs as the consultant was at stage-two design stage.

“Through the work done up to this point, the findings were that some pipelines will require pipe cracking method to replace existing pipes that are problematic. And portions of pipelines will require open trench replacement depending on full findings and in-depth analysis of the sewer model affected,” said Maifala-Masebe.

Certain sections of pipelines were reportedly identified as not having sufficient design capacity.

Sewer overflows

The department, according to Maifala-Masebe, further highlighted that contributors to sewer overflows include tree roots of trees on mid-block sewer servitudes.

He said they also include rainwater infiltration from the gutter downpipes into gullies and foreign objects thrown into the sewers.

“One of the challenges encountered by the departments is access to the mid-block servitudes. This is because stand owners are not at home during working hours or fear to open to council workers. I have committed to improving communication with the department in mitigating against reluctance to allow residents on their properties to do their work,” he said.

He concluded that, as a councillor, he is committed to working with residents in addressing issues they are facing daily.

“My appeal to residents is that while we have clear infrastructure challenges, it is the community that can assist with ensuring the issue is not worsened by doing their bit to look after the sewer infrastructure by not dumping foreign objects in sewer lines,” said Maifala-Masebe.