REGULAR sewage spills at the bird pan in Bonaero Park are far from over.
Due to the problematic nature of the sewage line in the area, the metro has for quite some time been unable to rectify the ongoing problem.
According to Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro, the sewer line is submerged in the water pan and there is infiltration.
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“This line is a challenge to open whenever there is a blockage due to the wetland and access to manholes. The manholes are covered in water and are therefore difficult to access,” he said.
The metro started installing a new sewer line in September 2013. This brought little relief however as the new line is still incomplete. Asked why, Gadebe said it was because of “technical and environmental issues”.
The new line will only be completed by June 2017, he said.
Gadebe admitted that the future sustainability of the ecosystem could be compromised over time depending on the volume of spillages and if sewer blockages were not cleared or attended to. If necessary, the metro will rehabilitate the area.
Ward councillor André du Plessis previously reported that the new section of sewer line already installed, would have to be removed. “This is dependent on the outcomes of the investigation and proposed alternatives,” Gadebe said.
The DA has come down hard on the Department of Water and Sanitation for ignoring the spillage crisis in Bonaero Park for years.
“The delays in these much needed repairs have resulted in catastrophic damage to the bird life in the area and nearby wetlands. The sewerage is still spewing out of the old network and polluting the area,” Bruna Haipel, DA shadow MMC for water and energy, said.
“This once pristine area has become an unsightly mess and a health hazard for the community. Several attempts have been made by the ward councillor, André du Plessis, and the responsible oversight committee to have the problem resolved, to no avail.
“The water and energy oversight committee has visited the area on two different occasions and the DA has submitted written and verbal questions on this matter, with less than satisfactory answers.
“Despite an arranged inspection of the area with the chairperson of the oversight committee and relevant officials, along with the ward councillor, many promises have been made but never kept,” Haipel said.
