Residents living along the Klein Jukskei River said years of recurring sewage spills have turned a once-enjoyed natural space into an environmental hazard, with the persistent stench affecting nearby homes, businesses and the river itself.

Those living closest to the river said the odour has become a part of daily life, while business owners have reportedly lost customers who are unable to tolerate the smell while dining.

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Residents are now calling for a long-term solution, saying recurring overflows from the nearby temporary pump station continue to pollute the river.

Greg [preferred his first name], who has lived near the pump station for years, said he first noticed problems about 12 years ago.

“The stench has been unbearable,” he said.

He added that when the station is switched on, the noise is also disruptive.

“The drains continuously flow with sewage when the station is off, which is 90% of the time.”

Greg believes the current infrastructure is no longer suitable for its location.

“They should move the whole station away from us as it’s also in the flood zone. I have personally witnessed the security guard nearly being carried away by the river during flooding, and the whole station under water.”

If relocating the station is not possible, he believes improvements such as sound dampening, a larger grinder, indigenous trees, a boundary fence and landscaping should be considered.

Also read: Residents endure days of sewage nightmare

“They should make the river beautiful again,” he said.

Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe said he became aware of the issues shortly after he took up his position.

“The Jukskei pump station is considered a temporary pump station, and there are plans to do a permanent solution.”

According to him, sewer blockages occasionally occur in the pump station’s mulching section, while silt also builds up inside the station. When this happens, the pump station overflows at a manhole cover, allowing sewage to flow into the Klein Jukskei River.

He said residents and businesses have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of the overflows.

“The river flows past a local restaurant, currently Bossa Fourways, previously Baron on Witkoppen. Residents downstream also complain as the river flows past several estates and, depending on the direction of the wind, it can cast an awful stench across the estates.”

He added that he regularly engages with Johannesburg Water’s electromechanical department, which is responsible for the pump station.

“They have always deployed a JecVac immediately to clear the blockage or, if needed, de-silt the chambers. We do, however, rely on residents or local businesses to inform us of the latest overflow so that we can notify Johannesburg Water.”

While a permanent solution is being planned, Van der Merwe said there is currently no confirmed timeline.

“There is a project that is busy getting final design and environmental sign-off at the moment but, as yet, we do not have a timeline for replacing the temporary pump station with a permanent pump station.”

Fourways Review reached out to Johannesburg Water on July 30, and Austin Mncune acknowledged the enquiry.

The enquiry requested comment on the recurring sewage overflows, the status of the temporary pump station, measures to prevent sewage from entering the river, the environmental impact of the spills and the anticipated timeline for a permanent solution.

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