Ward 76 councillor Zandile Mothupi has sounded the alarm over the worsening conditions on 18th Avenue in Alexandra.

Households are illegally discharging wastewater directly onto the street. She warned that this practice is not only damaging infrastructure, but also creating daily hardships for residents and traders. Mothupi explained that many homes have connected PVC pipes from their yards straight onto the road and pavements, allowing wastewater to flow continuously. “We must all take responsibility at some point. If you are a resident and discharging water onto the road, it is a problem.”

Read more: Wastewater keeps 2nd Street in Alexandra crumbling

Her concern is that the issue is being ignored by those causing it, yet everyone in the community suffers the consequences. The impact is visible. Pavements are crumbling, and the road surface has deteriorated to the point where sections are nearly impassable. Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has previously highlighted that the constant discharge prevents the road from drying out, making repair work impossible.

Informal traders, who regularly use the road for their businesses, have voiced their frustration, not only about wastewater, but about illegal dumping. Anna Molefe, a long-standing trader in the area, has a house just nearby and has to endure the stench of the waste that hangs in the air daily.

She said the waste that people dump on 18th Avenue does not only stink or make the place look dirty; it makes it an ideal place for rats that casually find their way to their homes and damage their valuables.

Mothupi said residents must stop illegal dumping and informal wastewater discharge practices. She noted that while the municipality has a role to play, particularly through Pikitup’s daily waste collection, the residents should also be responsible. “We know that the Pikitup truck comes every day. Where you reside, you know that around 10:00, for example, the truck would pass, but then, after the truck has passed, you come and dump your rubbish.”

Also read: Bovet Primary School learners endure the stench of wastewater on neglected 18th Avenue

Mothupi emphasised that co-operation between residents and the municipality is essential for maintaining a clean environment. She emphasised that collective responsibility is needed to ensure that the damage does not continue to spread, leaving 18th Avenue in ruins and residents trapped in worsening conditions.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!