Raw sewage leaks into Klein Jukskei River as residents await Johannesburg Water response
A leaking sewage line in Craigavon has left residents battling stench, health risks, and silence from JW, with no response for more than two weeks.
A growing sewage spill in Craigavon has sparked frustration and health concerns among residents.
They say Johannesburg Water (JW) has failed to act despite repeated reports and escalating complaints.
Read more: Sewage, potholes, streetlights burning 24/7 – wheres JW, JRA, and City Power?
According to Lynn Aron, a Fernbrook Estate trustee, the problem began around November 2, and has continued to worsen, with raw sewage now flowing into the Klein Jukskei River.
She confirmed that the issue was first logged with JW, complete with reference numbers, and later escalated through every available channel, including the estate’s management team and Ward councillor Mark van der Merwe.
Despite follow-ups by the ward councillor, and additional calls to contacts within JW, no action has been taken.
Residents living directly opposite the leaking pipe have endured the worst of the impact, with one resident describing the situation as horrendous. “I live in an elite estate in Craigavon. About a month ago the sewage pipe that runs through the estate started leaking. The smell is stifling. One cannot breathe with ease as the stench is unbearable. Besides the smell, it looks disgusting.
“One would think, seeing that this is a health hazard, that JW would provide a better response time.”
Also read: JW responds to sewage spills in Sunninghill playground
Aron added that the spill is seeping directly into the Klein Jukskei River, which has become increasingly polluted as untreated sewage continues to flow unchecked.
Residents fear the environmental impact will worsen if JW does not respond urgently.
Fourways Review contacted JW for comment. Nolwazi Dhlamini, external communications officer at JW, responded: “Inquiry noted. We are liaising with the relevant depot to get more information. JW will provide a response within our standard turnaround time of 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the matter and the input required from relevant technical departments.”
Aron told the Review that the JW team was seen on site this morning.
More information will be provided once it becomes available.
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