THE dumping of sewage near the wetland on Vlei Street in Glen Marais is not illegal, as there is a designated sewage drain in the area, ward councillor Gideon van Zyl said.
The municipality has made an access point to the sewer system available to sewer trucks and permits are issued to trucks from such companies by the water and sanitation department to utilise the provided sewage access.
“This ensures a healthy environment for those residents who are not connected to the sewer system. The pipe into which the sewage is dumped is not connected to the Swartspruit or the wetlands and is located more than 150 metres from Swartspruit.
“I regularly inspect the area and as was evident during my visit with Kempton Express, there are not truck tracks going anywhere close to the water,” Van Zyl added.
“I receive regular queries from residents who are concerned that dumping of sewage might be taking place,” Van Zyl said.
“This specific location is not contributing to the bad smell of Swartspruit and the evidence of sewage observed in the spruit the past few months,” Van Zyl added.
Kobus Opperman, administrator of Septic Tank Services, said the company also received complaints, because people were not aware that the dumping by the company was legal.
“The city has provided us with permission. Every time our drivers come here, they make sure they carry all the documentation that may be required, which also includes proof of payment,” Opperman said.
