Pollution levels upset residents

The portion of the Jukskei River passing through Morninghill is doing more harm than good.

This according to environmental consultant, Mr Paul Fairall. He told the NEWS the stench coming from the river could be fatal to people with respiratory problems, the elderly and small babies.

Mr Fairall said he was in discussion with the City of Joburg (CoJ) for over 17 years about the sewage matter and his cries also fell on deaf ears.

“We are now at a point where we cannot mitigate. They CoJ needs to catch the sewage before it gets into the rivers,” he said.

Mr Fairall said the pollution in the river was caused by raw sewage getting into the storm water system.

“Because the buildings are dilapidated and not maintained, human waste is diverted directly into the storm water system and that is how we end up with raw sewage flowing in our rivers and wetlands will not help in anyway,” said Mr Fairall.

He said he has intentions to apply for a Mandamus. “This is simply a court order forcing a party, in this case the CoJ, to address a certain issue. Failure to comply then becomes a criminal case,” said Mr Fairall.

Meanwhile, ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys said she is arranging a protest.

“Residents cannot be angry enough. I receive complaints daily from residents whose parents struggle to breathe due to the stench from the stream. It is upsetting and needs to be addressed,” said Clr Humphreys.