A municipal contractor installing new storm water pipes in Bonaero Park has created its own sewage dam in a residential park, leaving residents to live with the mess.
Ward councillor André du Plessis said the contractor damaged a sewage line while working on the new water line.
As a result, sewage flowed into the excavations for the new pipes and the ‘only solution’ apparently was to create the sewage pit in the park off Aeroparque Street.
Du Plessis visited the site on Wednesday after having informed the City of Ekurhuleni project manager of the dire situation. Du Plessis, on behalf of the project manager, asked the contractor to stop all work. However, the contractor’s senior project manager instructed workers to keep pumping sewage into the pit.
“Where this sewage storage dam now is, is supposed to be a storm water runoff. They even dug it deeper to accommodate all the waste,” du Plessis said on Wednesday.
According to him an on-site meeting with Ekurhuleni officials, a consulting engineer and the contractor will take place today (Friday).
“On Thursday, they attempted to fix the botched work. I asked for drawings of the so-called storm water inlets, especially the one that has pipes at right angles to each other, and was told the drawings were at their office.
“Do they check the plans at the office and then come to site and implement? It is the first time in my life that I have heard that excuse,” du Plessis added on Thursday.
“This negligent and reckless behaviour poses a serious health risk, as sewage manholes are also overflowing in residents’ properties. The metro should institute criminal charges against this contractor.”
Kempton Express referred the matter to the City of Ekurhuleni for comment. The article will be updated once a reply has been received.
