Sewerage pipe bursts on Van Der Linde Road in Bedfordview are causing ongoing frustration for local residents.

A recent sewage leak on the same road was reported on August 26, after flowing for three days.
Resident Tracey Winter said: “This is the filth we are forced to live with.”

She said a leak had occurred three weeks prior, as the issue happens frequently.

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Winter expressed concern because she had recently undergone foot surgery and was forced to drive through raw sewage, which she risked stepping in while leaving her vehicle.

“I have animals, and they might get contaminated by the sewage while running around the car or driveway,” she said.

Winter added that in other houses, municipal pipes were blocked, causing sewage to filter directly into bathroom and shower drains.

Another resident, known as Maria, said sewerage bursts worsen during rain.

“Complexes built on Van Der Linde Road cause concern. A property with one house and maybe two or three toilets is bought and converted to a minimum of five clusters with probably three toilets in each one, yet no infrastructure is upgraded,” Maria alleged.

Spurring densification concerns

Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys expressed understanding and support for densification, but cautioned that it cannot take place without due upgrading and maintenance.

“There is hardly a day that goes by when this area is not affected by burst water pipes and sewer blockages,” Humphreys said.

She suggested that the 60 to 70-year-old asbestos cement pipes in the area must be replaced.
She also noted that stormwater drains are not cleared, making flooding frequent.

“The worst kind of flooding of the roads is sewerage; entire roads are flooded for days on end with sewerage,” Humphreys added.

The councillor highlighted that the process for development is flawed, as contributions intended for necessary upgrades seldom return to the area where development takes place. She said existing and new residents alike face compounding, failing services.

“All the above notwithstanding, when service departments are requested to render comments regarding the capacity of these services to accommodate multiple additional units, they are rarely, if ever, approved,” Humphreys said.

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“We petition the MMC of Development Planning and Real Estate to conduct closer oversight regarding the department’s approval comments. The sustainability of our city is at stake.”

Bedfordview Edenvale News sent a media inquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on September 2 requesting comment by September 4 at 10:00. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.