Every day, children from Bovet Primary School are forced to navigate puddles of wastewater along 18th Avenue to get into the school premises.

According to residents, learners are sometimes forced to endure the stench of the water, which usually lingers in the air, especially after rainfall.

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The street, which runs past the school, is lined with three storm water drains meant to channel water underground, yet all of these drains are clogged, with one completely buried under litter soaked in wastewater, according to resident Makhosazana Twala.

Twala said that both Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and the local councillor are aware of the issue, but no effective intervention has been made. Meanwhile, the pavement continues to crumble as wastewater flow persists.

Twala explained that, when heavy rains fall, streams of contaminated water flow down the road, leaving behind an unsightly black residue. She emphasised that this not only poses a health risk to residents, but also to learners at Bovet. “It is too close to the school, and there are informal traders who usually sell food and snacks to learners here.”

Their challenges are not limited to the stench of the stream. The continued absorption of water has left the pavement uneven, making it unpleasant for motorists to use.

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This has made it even harder for residents in the area to access reliable transport when they need it most. “Even when we request e-hailing, drivers refuse to come in because of the state of the road.”

The issues on 18th Avenue are further worsened by human activity, such as carelessly throwing water onto the street and dumping waste on the sidewalks, Anna Molefe, a long-term resident and informal trader, explained. She said rainfall washes debris into the road, which then blocks the drains.

Molefe expressed concern for young learners who may not understand how unsafe the water is. She noted that they are at risk of falling or picking up contaminated items from the ground.

Ward 76 councillor Zandile Olga Mothupi acknowledged the crisis, noting that it was first reported to her early this year and she escalated the matter to JRA. She admitted, however, that progress has been slow, adding that the major issue, when it comes to dealing with clogged storm water drains, is getting a jet truck to attend to the issue, when so many wards in the region rely on a single truck.

JRA was contacted on March 20 via email. An update will be provided once their comment is received.

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