Sewage might compromise drinking water – Councillor
Environmental consultant Mr Paul Fairall appealed to members of the public to support his independent Mandamus Action against the City of Joburg (CoJ).
The Ecoli levels, in the portion of the Jukskei River that passes through Morninghill, are too high.
This is according to the ward 20 councillor, Clr Jill Humphreys, who visited the site recently and spoke to some of the residents.
She told the NEWS she will be organising a march in protest of the pollution.
Environmental consultant Mr Paul Fairall appealed to members of the public to support his independent Mandamus Action against the City of Joburg (CoJ).
He said, “I am desperately trying to get people or organisations, ratepayers groups or even individuals to support my action against the CoJ and Joburg Water, unfortunately without much or any success. It will go ahead even if it is just me. Unless someone gives me R10-million, which I don’t have, to start court action. The laws are certainly there but the civil will and support from residents is not forthcoming,” said Mr Fairall.
Clr Humphreys said it was unfair for residents who have to bear the smell caused by, among other things, raw sewage entering the system, allegedly from the Johannesburg CBD.
Previously, Clr Humphreys said the powers that be should consider the wetlands as a temporary, mitigating solution.
She said she is worried that the area’s drinking water would soon be compromised if nothing is done to stop raw sewage from getting into the rivers.
“We need action and we need it now. We cannot afford to have breakouts of waterborne diseases,” said Clr Humphreys.
