THE metro is finalising a programme to address the aging infrastructure backlog in Ekurhuleni, which is leading to continuous pipe bursts and blockages.
Priorities have been identified based on the frequency of pipe bursts.
“Notwithstanding this mega programme, all blockages will be attended to within 48 hours in terms of our service standards,” according to Themba Gadebe, metro spokesman.
Also read:
• Sewage ‘fountains’ flood Glen Marais garden
• Sewage disrupts family gatherings twice
• Eighteen days with foul smelling sewage in his yard
• Mr Mayor, we need you at ‘Poo Lake’ – NOW
The metro is sitting with a sewer and pipe infrastructure time bomb with at least R700 million worth of overdue sewer infrastructure upgrades and replacements that that need to be done.
“The implication of having such a huge backlog is that infrastructure that has outlived its usefulness continues to render service, notwithstanding the poor service arising from the use of such infrastructure,” Gadebe said.
He said there were several factors responsible for sewer blockages, including population growth, disposal of insoluble materials, vandalism and an increase in pollution.
The metro has experienced a population growth of 2.5 per cent over the past 10 years. The problem of population growth is particularly acute in high density townships as there is always some backyard households not ordinarily accommodated in the design of the sewer infrastructure.
This results in massive pressure on the sewer system, Gadebe said.
“The metro continuously anticipates all infrastructure upgrade requirements and updates infrastructure upgrading plans annually. To this end we have identified sewer upgrading and replacement programmes with a total value of R3.5 billion.
Gadebe said adding to the problem is the “rampant disposal” of solids and plastics in the drainage system. Sewer blockages are caused by items such as cotton wool, rags, spoons, newspapers, clothing and sand used for scouring that are trapped in the system.
This abuse of the system triggers blockages which are often confirmed whenever there is a blockage, as heaps of sand is retrieved from the system.
” The metro continues to engage communities through various mediums in order to educate the public about the correct use of sewer infrastructure. In addition, by-laws are in place and are enforced as part of our second tier approach to curbing the abuse,” according to Gadebe.
“A few select residents are also in the habit of stealing manhole covers for recycling and generally vandalising the infrastructure. With the stealing of manhole covers solids fall into the sewer line which causes sewer blockages. Residents also throw solids and plastics directly into the manholes.”
Residents are encouraged to report all incidents through the call centre by dialing 0860 543 000 for any complaints.
