Town is drowning in sewage

Scores of Brakpan residents are growing increasingly frustrated as the stench of raw sewage is now a common occurrence.

Numerous households have been plagued by sewage spills and leaks, with little to nothing being done to resolve the issue.

In addition to the foul odour, the sewage also poses serious health risks. Residents have also complained that getting the City of Ekurhuleni to attend to the spills is a battle all on its own.

One such resident is Hans Matthysen, who reported a sewage spill along Hamilton Avenue and a blocked drain in the vicinity four times with no response from the City of Ekurhuleni.

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“It is now going into the fourth week, with Ekurhuleni still missing in action,” he wrote in an email to the Herald.

“Residents would like to know why we are paying for services when half of the time there is none. Why are Ekurhuleni workers being paid for not doing their work?”

DA councillor for Ward 97 Brandon Pretorius confirmed to the Herald he has received an influx of complaints regarding sewage-related matters over the past month. He recently assisted Hastings Avenue resident Amanda Viljoen, whose property was flooded with sewage.

The effluent was bubbling out of the ground and there was a danger the sewage would flow into her house. According to Pretorius, this is the second time this has happened at Viljoen’s address.

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“I received a worrying number of queries that needed assistance in getting resolved, as the City has been unable to resolve them within the stipulated 48-hour turnaround time,” he said.

“Residents find themselves continually having to report sewage spills and, despite their countless efforts of reporting, the City continues to fail to repair the issues permanently, as they keep recurring.

“It is completely unacceptable that massive and persistent sewage leaks have been the daily reality of residents in the area.

“This issue should be a top priority for the ANC-led coalition government as it impacts negatively on residents’ lives, particularly during the pandemic.

“Of greater concern is the lack of foresight and planning by the municipality in anticipation of the increased pressures caused by in-migration into the City.

“The primary issue is the existing sewer line, which is old and, in my opinion, the entire sewer system needs repairs as a matter of urgency.

“It is completely unacceptable that the ANC and its coalition partners cannot provide basic services to rate-paying residents in the City.

“We are greatly concerned by the lack of maintenance and upgrading of water systems. How much more neglect and lack of competency can this municipality take?”

Pretorius told the Herald he will continue to assist residents where he can to make sure service-related issues are dealt with timeously.