The Jukskei River flowing through Morninghill has become contaminated due to sewage resulting from a blockage in the river and leaving residents upset.
Morninghill resident Gwen Doran said she noticed the deterioration of the river since last year May.
“We have reached a crisis point. There is obscene pollution of this river,” said Doran.
Also read: Joburg Water to address Jukskei pollution
Doran and Morninghill residents suspect the pollution is coming from behind the mall on Marcia Street in Johannesburg.
“There most definitely is a severe problem. Raw sewage is visible in the river and excessive foam at the weir has been there for months,” said Doran.
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys said the sewage spill has reached a critical level.
“We picked up three dead ducks just laying on the grass verge,” said Humphreys.
“Although it is a Johannesburg Water problem, Ekurhuleni also needs to take urgent action on this matter,” said Humpreys.
She said there is a problem upstream.
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“But we need to deal with what is happening within Ekurhuleni.”
Humphreys said litter traps, filters, wetlands and rocks to generate aeration are needed to alleviate the pollution flowing through the river.
She said there are bio-remedial options not being investigated.
City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) spokesperson Themba Gadebe said main water quality issues in the Jukskei are sewage spillages which result in elevated E. coli and nitrates concentrations.
He said the problem with elevated nutrients is it often results in depleted oxygen levels in the water.
“Another issue in the Jukskei River is the high sediment load and turbidity caused by the increased erosion rate. It is a result of increased development and hardening of the catchment area,” said Gadebe.
Also read: Metro inspects Jukskei embankment
“The city’s water quality section will continue to monitor the water quality of the Jukskei River at key sampling points.”
He said CoE will continue with its preventative maintenance programme in the area where problematic sewer pipelines are cleaned and inspected for possible defects.
Gadebe said CoE has appointed a consultant to investigate the Bruma outfall sewer system.
He said the work will entail flow measurements and CCTV inspections of pipelines that are suspected to be under capacity or experience frequent service failures such as sewer blockages resulting in overflows.
“This investigation will advise on the necessity to upgrade or replace certain pipelines in the medium to long-term,” said Gadebe.
