Residents of Ward 77, particularly Pholane Park and Ivory Park, are living in unbearable conditions, as ongoing sewer blockages continue to flood streets, homes, and public spaces with sewage, raising serious health and sanitation concerns.

The community has been battling with persistent sewer overflows, with raw sewage reportedly running through residential areas and into the nearby Kaalspruit River, further compounding environmental risks.

Read more: Sewage overflow leaves Kaalfontein resident frustrated

Democratic Alliance (DA) youth representative in the Midrand constituency Eddie Kgeletsane has raised urgent concerns. Eddie described the situation as hazardous and deeply concerning. “This poses a serious health risk to residents and reflects ongoing environmental neglect.”

He further highlighted that the affected river has increasingly become an informal dumping site, with reports of dead animals found in the water, compounding the public health threat.

Eddie criticised Johannesburg Water for failing to adequately address persistent sewer blockages, adding that the crisis is worsened by inadequate sanitation infrastructure in parts of the township. “Some residents are forced to resort to unsafe alternatives due to a lack of proper sanitation facilities.”

In response, Eddie has launched a sewer campaign, working alongside key stakeholders including Otto Kgeletsane and Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe, calling for urgent intervention and sustainable solutions.

“Dignity is not negotiable. No family should have to live with the daily reality of sewage, unsafe conditions, and failing basic services.

Also read: Sewage leaks, litter and dumping plague Vorna Valley

This is about protecting public health, restoring safety, and ensuring that all residents can live with dignity.”

Deppe said implementations of strict turnaround times for sewer repairs, with performance tracking and accountability for Johannesburg Water officials, were essential.

Johannesburg Water was contacted on April 16 for comment regarding the causes of the sewage blockages, planned interventions, long-term solutions in the affected ward, etc. The entity responded on the same day, stating that the query was noted.

“Johannesburg Water will provide a response within our standard turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours, depending on the complexity of the matter and the input required from relevant technical departments.”

Their response will be included once it is received. Grab a copy of the Midrand Reporter to read more.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!