WATCH: Sewage pours into Fourways homes for days, and it’s not over yet

Waterford Estate East residents are swimming in raw sewage that flows through their homes and are pleading for urgent assistance from Joburg Water.

February 26, 2025

Ayanda Ntshingila 1 minute read

Sewage floods Waterford Estates East residents' backyards.

Residents of Waterford East in Fourways are living a distressing reality, as raw sewage has flooded their homes for five days now.

According to Surita Volland, despite their urgent calls for help, Joburg Water appears to be unresponsive, leaving them to live in the sewage nightmare.

Volland, expressed her horror at the situation: “I absolutely cringe when I look at it, and we’ve been living with the stench for five days.”

Also read: Sewer stench poses health risks to Craigavon family

“To think of the health risks posed by such unsanitary conditions. The worst part… when we flush the toilets, the raw sewage floats up through the shower.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth Estate families covered in masks to avoid inhaling terrible sewage stench. #sama28 #caxtonlocalmedia ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Volland said, her and her neighbours have attempted to voice their concerns, but each time they report the sewage issue, Joburg Water closes the tickets, incorrectly marking the issue as “resolved.”

The sewage has begun flowing up the residents’ showers whenever they flush their toilets.

“On Saturday (February 22) evening the team from Joburg Water arrived at 19h15 and left shortly after. They didn’t even get access to the complex and just left. We have escalated the query now every day since Sunday night.”

“It’s incredibly frustrating. I understand why some people resort to burning tyres because without that kind of protest, nothing gets done,” she added.

Fourways Review have reached out to Joburg Water for comment. More information will be provided once become available.