A Florentia resident’s eight-year struggle with recurring sewage backflow is set to continue, after the City of Ekurhuleni maintained that the municipal sewer system is correctly designed and functioning as intended, despite ongoing complaints of flooding in his yard.

The latest developments follow renewed correspondence between Alberton Record and the city, after the resident at 6 Bergh Street again experienced sewage overflow earlier this year and questioned why no permanent solution has been implemented.

City: Infrastructure designed to prevent backflow

In response to questions about residents carrying out repairs on municipal infrastructure, the city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated that the property connection was installed correctly at the level of the main sewer pipeline.

According to Dlamini, the property’s natural ground level is lower, which is why an overflow system was installed to direct sewage away from the yard when blockages occur in the network.

“The resident was informed that the connection to his property was done correctly to the level of the main sewer pipeline,” Dlamini said.

Advice to resident sparks confusion

The city also clarified why the resident was previously advised on possible solutions he could implement himself, despite a general warning issued earlier this year that residents must not repair or interfere with municipal infrastructure.

“The resident was advised on the options he can implement as the problem happens only on his part of the property when the sewer is blocked on the network system,” Dlamini explained.

This explanation has raised further questions from the resident, who maintains that the problem originates in the municipal sewer system, not on his property.

No structural changes required

When asked whether the city would consider adjustments to the drainage system or further interventions, Dlamini said the sewer system was designed with a specific gradient to serve all properties in the area.

“The sewer line is installed at a certain gradient to connect all properties to the bulk sewer system. No adjustment is required to be made to the existing sewer pipeline,” Dlamini stated.

The city added that several assessments have been conducted over time and that measures have already been implemented to divert overflow.

Non-return valve proposal raises questions

Following the city’s response, Alberton Record raised the possibility of installing a non-return valve as a permanent solution, a measure reportedly used in similar cases involving neighbouring properties.

The resident claims that while such valves have helped nearby homes, he was told he would need to install them himself, as the issue is considered to affect only his property.

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This has sparked concern about fairness and affordability, with the resident questioning why he should carry the cost of what he believes is a municipal infrastructure problem.

Financial burden a concern

The Alberton Record has also raised concerns that expecting the resident to fund such a solution places a financial burden on him, particularly given the long-standing nature of the problem.

The resident argues that while some neighbours may have been able to install non-return valves at their own expense, it is not a sustainable or fair long-term solution for households affected by repeated sewage backflow.

Suggested permanent solution raised

Following the city’s response, the Alberton Record proposed a possible permanent solution for consideration: installing a non-return valve, which has reportedly been used in similar cases affecting neighbouring properties.
The suggestion was made on the basis that such an intervention could prevent repeated backflow into the resident’s yard, particularly given the ongoing nature of the problem over several years.

The Alberton Record also noted concerns about fairness and affordability, as the resident indicated he would likely have to install the valve at his own cost, despite the issue originating in the municipal sewer system.

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The proposal was submitted for the city’s consideration, in light of repeated incidents and the lack of a permanent resolution to date.

At the time of publication, no further response had been received.

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