Residents living near the Witfield Dam have voiced their frustration over what they describe as the City of Ekurhuleni’s failure to resolve long-standing sewage leaks, saying the problem is polluting the dam, creating an unbearable stench and affecting daily life.

Videos and photos sent to this publication by one of the frustrated residents, Andries Gelderblom, show a stream of raw sewage flowing along the roadway before making its way into the Witfield Dam.

Gelderblom, who lives near the damaged sewer line at the corner of Pitout and Breytenbach streets, said apart from the unbearable odour, they fear the ongoing spill poses a serious environmental risk to the dam and a potential public health hazard.

According to residents, the sewage leak has entered its third week and persists despite being repeatedly reported to the municipality.

“We have asked and pleaded for this to be sorted out, but the problem still persists,” said Gelderblom.
Residents allege municipal workers have visited the site on several occasions, but say no lasting repairs have been carried out.

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“All they did was put red tape around the damaged section of the sewer line. People are forced to drive through the sewage when leaving or returning to their homes,” bemoaned Gelderblom.

Another resident criticised what they described as the slow pace of the repairs.
“It is extremely poor service. The crew only came to put up red tape after two weeks. There appears to be no foreman or manager following up on the repairs. The community is fed up with the sluggish response.

The Boksburg Advertiser has reached out to the metro for comment. The city’s response will be published once received.

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