Comment on city’s intention to fill Bruma Lake
The community has until September 30 to comment on City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) intention to fill Bruma Lake and reinstate the stream.
CoJ’s environment, infrastructure and services department intends to apply for a water use licence to be submitted to the Department of Water Affairs to obtain authorisation for the lake’s rehabilitation.
The project involves filling the lake and reinstating the stream through reshaping the lake basin.
This means impeding or diverting the flow of water in the water course, altering the bed, banks and characteristics of the watercourse.
Earlier this year, CoJ allocated R20-million for the 2013/14 financial year and R25-million for the year after to the environment and infrastructure services department to be used solely for the lake’s rehabilitation.
The city plans to convert the lake into a river, given that it is a major source of pollution in the area.
Environmentalist and chairperson of the Jukskei River Catchment Area Management Forum, Mr Paul Fairall, raised concern on numerous occasions about the threat of cholera and other diseases posed by the water in the lake and river.
The deterioration of the lake has had a major impact on local businesses and residents.
Ms Millicent Kabwe, from Joburg Water, recently acknowledged that one of the contributors to sewage entering Bruma Lake is the superimposed sewer infrastructure in the inner city.
According to her, the sewage infrastructure, especially the manholes which open up into the stormwater, is damaged.
This results in stormwater entering the sewers and causing blockages. Overflowing sewage enters the stormwater infrastructure and finds its way into Bruma Lake.
Joburg Water is currently replacing its damaged infrastructure.
To comment or object on the city’s plan to fill the lake and reinstate the stream, contact Mr Daniel Masemola.
To ensure you are identified as an interested and affected party, submit your name, contact details, information and interest in the matter in writing to City of Johannesburg, PO Box 1049, Johannesburg, 2000 or 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, 2017.
Contact Mr Masemola on 011 587-4270 or e-mail Danielmas@joburg.org.za
