A continuous sewage leak leading to the deterioration of the road surface in Kirschner Road, Benoni North Agricultural Holdings, has residents and civil organisations questioning the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) commitment to addressing potentially hazardous spills.

“The collapse of infrastructure across the metro is concerning,” said Lizette Landzaad, a resident of Kirschner Road.

“We feel helpless. We have reported this leak for several months, but nothing has been done to curb the continuous spills.”

Hendrick Kok, site manager for Kierland Skye, a complex housing 160 units, explained that the sewage pump station located next to the development has been functioning intermittently for the past three months.

“If left unattended, the sewage flows back into the complex. Fortunately, it has only happened once or twice,” said Kok.

“The smell emitting from the pump station and overflowing manholes is unbearable and the constant flow of effluent has resulted in the severe deterioration of the road surface. Huge potholes have made it nearly impossible to travel from Lennox to Trig roads.”

Faulty pumps
Spokesperson for the CoE Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the matter was resolved on August 5, following reported incidents the previous day.

“By the city’s service delivery mandate, matters relating to sewage leaks must be attended to within 48 hours. Upon investigation, it was found that the spill was caused by faulty pumps at the pump station. This has since been addressed, and the necessary repairs were completed,” he said.

“Contrary to residents’ reports, the city did not pump raw sewage from the faulty pump, as acts like these are in contravention of the CoE’s environmental regulation acts. The reported spills were a result of nearby manholes overflowing due to the malfunction at the pump station.

“Plans have been put in place to repair the damaged road surface.”

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Residents and motorists in the area are, however, sceptical.

While navigating through one of the deep trenches caused by the sewage, Lezelle Mills, an employee of nearby Pug Rescue SA, told the Benoni City Times that she has, on occasion, seen municipal workers using hoses to drain sewage into the road.

“Travelling this way is a nightmare. You have to negotiate the sewage-filled trenches,” she said. “This is an environmental disaster, threatening the well-being of residents and animals.”

While outside the pump station, the City Times noted hoses submerged into the well of the pump station with the other end lying outside, its openings pointing towards Kirschner Road.

Inspections report
Civil organisation AfriForum is seeking urgent answers from the municipality, stating that a solution to the ongoing sewage crisis appears to be out of reach.

In terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, the organisation has submitted requests for access to reports regarding sewage leaks and pollution. These include internal inspections and maintenance work that needs to be carried out.

“AfriForum has highlighted several areas for which this information needs to be provided, for Benoni’s agricultural holdings and surrounding water bodies,” said Benoni branch chairperson, Archie Mouyis.

“We further request information with a clear indication of sewage pumping stations’ functionality and capacity, as well as a breakdown of non-functional pumps and the scope of damage.”

The submission is also requesting an incident report from January 1 to July 15 relating to reported incidents of sewage leaks, as well as progress reports on their resolution.

Nadia Olckers, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the East Rand, concluded by saying that residents of Benoni are committed to the well-being of their environment.

“The local branch actively participates in various clean-up initiatives. It is time for the CoE to fulfil its mandate,” she said.

The metro has until September 3 to provide AfriForum with feedback.

“If no response is received, further remedial action will be taken,” said Olckers.

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