The City of Ekurhuleni has apologised for confusion surrounding repeated sewage spills in Van der Post Avenue in Parkrand and says fats traced to an upstream shopping complex are believed to be causing recurring blockages.

This follows a recent report by the Boksburg Advertiser highlighting resident Lerato Ntobo’s ongoing struggle with raw sewage flooding his backyard, reportedly since 2022.

According to the city, a total of seven complaints regarding sewer blockages at No. 24 Van der Post Avenue were recorded in its internal IMS system. The most recent complaint was logged on January 14, 2026, and officials were dispatched to clear the blockage.

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Fats traced upstream
Following further investigation, the metro now believes the recurring blockages are caused by fats in the sewer system traced to a mall or shopping complex upstream of the affected property.
It said its water quality team will begin investigating compliance with effluent discharge requirements for restaurants within the complex.

In the interim, the operations officer has been instructed to conduct routine sweeping of the sewer line to minimise recurrence.
Meanwhile, Ntobo has maintained that the sewage overflows, which sometimes reach knee height and spill into a nearby wetland, pose a serious health risk to his family and neighbours.

The Boksburg Advertiser will continue to monitor developments.

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