The City of Ekurhuleni has attributed the recurring sewer overflow along the R550 Kliprivier Road to blockages caused by sand and foreign objects.

The response follows an Alberton Record report highlighting concerns from residents of Brackendowns and Brackenhurst about sewage flowing along the roadside near Kromvlei Cemetery and into the Kliprivier.

CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the sewer overflow recurred only days after it had been attended to on August 2 due to another blockage.“It was a recurrence of blockage caused by sand and foreign objects,” Dlamini said.

Residents had raised concerns that roots from nearby trees may have infiltrated the sewer pipes and contributed to the repeated blockages.

However, Dlamini said the city could not confirm whether tree roots were responsible without first excavating the area.

“We cannot confirm as we have to excavate first to verify. For now, we can confirm the sand and foreign objects,” he said.

Asked what immediate measures were being taken to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the Kliprivier, Dlamini said the city’s teams attend to the sewer blockage whenever it is reported.

He said the team is currently addressing the blockage along the entire pipeline between two manholes.
Dlamini did not provide a timeframe for a permanent repair or infrastructure upgrade to the affected section of the sewer network.

The response comes after Ward 97 councillor Tim Denny described the ongoing overflow as “catastrophic” and said the issue had reportedly been occurring for about four months.

Residents also raised concerns about the environmental impact of sewage entering the Kliprivier, as well as the health and sanitation risks posed by the overflow.

Alberton Record will continue monitoring the situation and report on any further action taken by the city.

WATCH: Recurring sewer overflow on Kliprivier Road sparks health and environmental concerns