Northmead resident wants permanent solution for continuous sewage spills

In November last year, James Brunette and his fiancé Juanita Bouwer moved into what they thought to be their dream home in Gousblom Street, Northmead.

Knowing that it needed some tender loving care did not deter the couple as they enthusiastically set to work, planting colourful bulbs and looking forward to spending countless hours basking on the porch.

This dream soon became a nightmare as hundreds of litres of raw sewage flooded their property, continuously doing so every four to six weeks.

“We were aware the sewage main line runs along our perimeter wall with two aligning manholes,” said Brunette.

“In January the line started bubbling over, covering our entire backyard in sewage.”

After complaints were logged on the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) app, Brunette claims that it took teams from the Department of Water and Sanitation three to four days to respond.

“When the teams arrived, they ‘rodded’ the line and the problem seemed to have been solved,” he said.
“I set to work clearing the debris, but in February we were once again woken by the stench of sewage, with effluent even pushing up inside our drains.”

Fearing for Juanita’s health, who is currently on daily doses of chemotherapy in her fight against stage six cancer, Brunette immediately reported the incident, with the couple again having to wait for teams to respond.

“This continued monthly,” said Brunette.

“On one occasion a supervisor stated that it is suspected that an established tree, that had been planted directly on top of the line, may be the reason for the continuous blockages.

“He said he suspected that the roots may have penetrated the line at one of the seams and that he would request that teams be dispatched to investigate this. Once complete, he claimed that the necessary repairs would be done and the blockages would cease to occur. To date, this has not been done.”

Following the most recent spill on August 14, Brunette took matters into his own hands by addressing an email to department heads, the city manager as well and Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana. He requested that the matter be addressed urgently and decisively.

Digging trenches, Brunette attempted to funnel the sewage from his property into the street.

“The sewage ran from my home, down to Mimosa Street for three days,” he said.

“I feel guilty for leading the effluent into the stormwater drainage system but I had no other choice. The stench was atrocious.”

On August 22, Jacoline Madiba, senior executive manager for support for the metro’s Water and Sanitisation Department, responded to Brunette.

“The matter was referred to the Benoni depot to attend and feedback or a detailed report on a more sustainable solution to the challenges experienced on the sewer line,” read the response.

“Apologies for the inconvenience that has been caused by this recurring sewer blockage.”

According to Brunette the line has finally been inspected and the blockage has been identified and removed..

“My monthly blood test results are all over the place,” said Juanita.

“I believe that constant exposure to the sewage is having a negative impact on my already compromised immune system.”

Trudging across his lawn, which is again covered in toilet paper, Brunette says that they do not have any beneficial occupation of their home.

“We cannot enjoy our garden and have to ensure that the windows are always closed,” he said.

“I am worried about the effect it is having on Juanita and her health. As a paying resident and homeowner, I want to see this problem seen as soon as possible.”

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