According to Anne van Vliet, a few men in overalls claiming to be from Joburg Water, poured chemicals into the river on 18 September while she was dining at local restaurant, The Baron Fourways.
“When I confronted them, they told me they were from Joburg Water and they were doing this to counteract a spillage from the small sewerage plant on the other side of the bridge,” said Van Vliet.
“The water started foaming as I watched and within 10 minutes clumps of foam were blowing off the river onto the people sitting on the deck [of the restaurant].”
Gareth Spencer, owner of the restaurant, explained that the water in the river then turned white, and looked like bubble bath and smelled like bathroom cleaner. Spencer added that this occurred once a month.
Ward 96 councillor Matome Mafokwane said, “I know that there’s an agreement between Joburg Water and water engineers to regularly test water for quality control.”
Mafokwane added that this was done regularly to prevent water contamination, especially as the Klein Jukskei River was directly opposite a sewage pump station. He encouraged residents to take photos of anyone dumping substances into the river and report them.
Spencer added that sometimes a leakage from the sewage station turned the water of the river a milky colour and it smelt bad. He confirmed that a representative from Joburg Water had visited the restaurant on 23 September after receiving enquiries.
Joburg Water failed to respond to questions posed by this paper.
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