Waterfall Lifestyle Estate residents’ representative urge City Council to intervene in the polluted Jukskei River
The immediate action calls stems from as early as May and they are essential in bid to prevent further environmental harm and threat to public health.
Concerned residents of the Waterfall Lifestyle Estate called for urgent intervention by authorities regarding the environmental crisis of the Jukskei River.
The residents, represented by Elias van Dyk, were gravely concerned about the deteriorating condition of the river and the associated risks posed to human health and the environment.
Read more: Jukskei River lab tests finally arrive, councillor not happy with authorities response
“This [call for urgent intervention] aims to bring to the forefront the critical environmental and public health crisis affecting the Jukskei River,” said Van Dyk.
“The Johannesburg city council must implement immediate and robust measures to halt ongoing pollution.
“This involves repairing detectable spillages and developing a comprehensive strategy for the long-term management of the city’s sewerage infrastructure. Immediate action is essential to prevent further environmental harm and threat to public health.”
Van Wyk added observations from residents indicated that the river currently exhibited characteristics akin to an open sewer, including a pungent stench, foam generation at weirs, and an alarming increase in the occurrences of dead fish.
Also read: Kyalami Corner leads charge in environment sustainability at Jukskei River
“Proximity to the river presents a health hazard and reflects severe environmental neglect. The downstream impact extends to the river’s discharge into the sea, presenting an environmental hazard of considerable magnitude.”
Residents of the estate have documented the river’s degradation since May this year and engaged local authorities, including Ward 132 councillor Anette Deppe.
They said despite assurances from Johannesburg Water (JW) that sewage leaks into the river would be repaired, by late August pollution levels had remained unchanged. Investigations by the Environmental Health officials revealed at least two major sewage leaks had contributed to the ongoing contamination.
Van Dyk said the lack of significant improvement after six months indicated an inadequate response by municipal bodies.
JW’s communication department was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of going to print.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Empowering Jukskei Park Youth through music education
