WATCH: Recurring sewer overflow on Kliprivier Road sparks health and environmental concerns
Residents claim the long-running problem has left streets, the nearby Kromvlei Cemetery and the surrounding environment affected, with calls for the City of Ekurhuleni to address the underlying cause instead of temporary repairs.
Residents of Brackendowns and Brackenhurst are calling on the City of Ekurhuleni to urgently resolve a recurring sewer overflow along the R550 Kliprivier Road, saying the ongoing problem is creating serious health, environmental and infrastructure concerns.
The Alberton Record visited the area on August 5 and observed sewage flowing down the roadside near the Kromvlei Cemetery and into the Kliprivier.
According to Ward 106 Clr Tim Denny, the City of Ekurhuleni attended to the sewer overflow on August 2, but the problem resurfaced shortly afterwards.
@albertonrecord Standing next to the overflowing sewage, Denny described the situation as “catastrophic”, saying the wastewater eventually flows into the Kliprivier before reaching the Vaal River. Read more on albertonrecord.co.za
Standing next to the overflowing sewage, Denny described the situation as “catastrophic”, saying the wastewater eventually flows into the Kliprivier before reaching the Vaal River.
“This has been going on for at least four months. We are calling upon the department to come and fix this. I am now going to elevate this matter to Parliament. This is absolutely catastrophic. We cannot have this in Alberton. It is a disgrace, and there seems to be an absolute no-care attitude towards this massive issue,” said Denny.
Resident Jack Morrick, who has lived in Brackendowns for 33 years, said the sewer infrastructure has deteriorated over the years despite repeated repair attempts.
@albertonrecord Resident Jack Morrick, who has lived in Brackendowns for 33 years, said the sewer infrastructure has deteriorated over the years despite repeated repair attempts. Read more on albertonrecord.co.za
“The wetlands sewage problem that’s been going on for months is a major problem. We are hoping somebody will deal with it because of the residents, the stench and the health hazards we have,” he said.
Morrick believes the underlying cause has never been properly addressed.
“As residents, we have been telling the city that the trees, which are more than 40 years old, are causing the problem. We believe the roots have infiltrated the sewer pipes, which is why the sewage keeps overflowing. The city told us the trees are not the problem,” he said.
He added that the foul smell becomes particularly unbearable at night.
“The sewage reaches our streets, especially Delphinium Street. This issue is also affecting the Kromvlei Cemetery. We have seen graves lift up because of the sewage overflow,” he said.
Residents also fear the continuous discharge of sewage into the Klip River is harming the surrounding environment and birdlife.
Morrick urged the municipality to investigate the root cause instead of repeatedly treating the symptoms.
“Until something is done correctly and the underlying infrastructure problem is sorted out, I don’t think the area will come right. We ask the council and its leaders to look at the infrastructure and assist us.”
The Alberton Record sent questions to the City of Ekurhuleni on August 5 at 11:45, asking why the sewer overflow recurred days after repairs were carried out, what the root cause of the persistent problem is, and what steps the city will take to prevent untreated sewage from continuing to flow into the Kliprivier.
The Alberton Record will publish the city’s response once it is received.
