Cruywagen Park residents battle decade-long sewage spills and flooding
“The recurring flooding adds burden on us residents, we are left to manage the consequences of what that should be addressed through proper municipal infrastructure and maintenance, “said Kruger
Cruywagen Park residents say their quality of life has been severely affected by raw sewage, foul odours and recurring flooding that have plagued the area for more than 10 years, despite repeated reports to the City of Ekurhuleni.
Residents say they are at their wits’ end as the sewage problem affects their homes, health and daily lives with no permanent solution in sight.
During a recent visit to the suburb, ward candidate Coral Bowler accompanied resident Wynand on a drive through the area to view the conditions residents say they have endured for years.
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The stench of raw sewage was overwhelming, while pools of stagnant wastewater had accumulated in several areas, creating what residents described as an unbearable living environment.
The sewage issue has been ongoing for more than 10 years and has been repeatedly reported to the municipality.
The Germiston City News has also reported on the conditions in the area on multiple occasions; however, interventions have failed to provide a lasting solution, leaving residents increasingly frustrated.
For Wynand, who was born in the area and still lives in his family home, the situation is particularly distressing.
His home was the second property built in original Cruywagen Park, making him a long-standing member of the community.
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He said the persistent sewage smell had become so embarrassing that the family is reluctant to invite visitors to their home.
Residents say the stench is particularly unbearable at night, making it difficult to sleep with windows open, even when ventilation is needed.
What should be the comfort of their own homes has instead become a daily struggle against the smell and the effects of the sewage problem.
The sewage has also reportedly accumulated in low-lying areas, forming large pools of stagnant wastewater.
Residents fear that the continued exposure to these conditions poses risks to their health and the surrounding environment.
For many households, the problem extends beyond the smell.
Residents say the ongoing sewage issues, coupled with other infrastructure concerns, have left them feeling neglected despite repeatedly raising their grievances with the municipality.
Erna Kruger, who lives closest to the corner where the sewage flows, said the situation worsens when it rains.
She said water floods her pavement and yard, forcing her family to clear a path so the water can drain away.
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Kruger said the problem had been reported repeatedly, but residents had yet to see an effective intervention.
“The recurring flooding adds a burden on us residents. We are left to manage the consequences of what should be addressed through proper municipal infrastructure and maintenance,” said Kruger.
Several residents echoed these concerns, describing years of frustration over the lack of a permanent solution.
Some said they would welcome the opportunity to sell their properties and move elsewhere, but feared they would struggle to secure a reasonable price given the conditions in the area.
The situation has raised questions about the impact of prolonged infrastructure failures on property values, residents’ dignity and their ability to enjoy a safe and healthy living environment.
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Safety concerns over former landfill site
Adding to residents’ concerns is a former landfill site in the area, where individuals have reportedly been digging large holes in search of recyclable materials, including plastic and metal.
Residents said there is a need for greater clarity regarding the site’s current status, the controls governing access and the measures in place to prevent unauthorised activity and protect the surrounding community.
The combination of sewage problems, flooding and concerns about the former landfill site has deepened residents’ anxiety about the long-term condition of their neighbourhood.
Persistent infrastructure failure
The length of time the issue has persisted raises questions about what action the City has taken following previous complaints and public reporting.
Residents question why earlier interventions have not resulted in a lasting resolution, and what plans are in place to address the underlying infrastructure problems.
Residents are calling for more than temporary repairs.
They want a permanent solution that will stop sewage from flowing through their neighbourhood, address the recurring flooding and restore their confidence that their complaints are being taken seriously.
For a community that has endured these conditions for more than a decade, the continued absence of a lasting remedy has become a source of deep frustration.
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The Germiston City News sent an enquiry on October 14, requesting comment by October 26 at 12:00 to clarify what has caused the prolonged sewage problem, what work has been undertaken to date and when residents can expect a comprehensive solution. At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
