Persistent sewage overflows get Joburg Water to respond
Joburg Water responds to the persistent sewage bursts and overflows at a medical supply company in Midrand.
A year-long sewage overflow in Halfway House continues to disrupt operations at local medical supply company Mediotronics, with managing director Miranda Murray saying the issue remains unresolved despite repeated interventions.
The spill is allegedly linked to a faulty pump station at 545 Nupen Crescent. According to Murray, Johannesburg Water repair teams are dispatched to the site once or twice a week, but the problem keeps recurring.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala explained why the matter had persisted despite multiple service requests.
Read more: Possible light at the end of the tunnel in Noordwyk sewage nightmare
“The matter has persisted due to the complexity of the repairs required and delays associated with sourcing specialised pump spares.
Johannesburg Water is currently awaiting the finalisation of procurement processes and is engaging with the appointed service provider to expedite repairs and provide an estimated turnaround time.”
Murray added that the ongoing overflows were negatively affecting the company’s safety, finances, and daily operations.
“Our delivery vehicles have to be parked in sewage, and staff members have to walk through it to access the stores. Employees are now forced to park on the street, which creates security concerns.
“There are also times when we have to close operations because of the unbearable smell. On top of that, the constant need to disinfect the premises has become financially draining.
“The smell is nauseating, and we often end up digging channels to redirect the sewage away from our property. We also have to buy disinfectants like Jeyes Fluid in an attempt to sanitise the area.”
Also read: Lever Road residents fed up with recurring sewage overflow
As a medical supply company, Mediotronics warned that the situation presented a serious public health risk. Murray cautioned that prolonged exposure to sewage could lead to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.
She urged Johannesburg Water to permanently replace the faulty pump and adopt a more proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance.
In response, Shabalala outlined Joburg Water’s immediate measures.
“Johannesburg Water’s electro-mechanical team has arranged for vacuum trucks to assist with level control at the pump station. The vacuum truck operations are scheduled to commence tomorrow and continue for the next 10 days, with the expectation that the pump station will be restored within this period.”
She added that while this intervention was temporary, it was intended to provide relief and minimise spillages.
“Customers are advised that spillages may still occur during periods of peak inflows until repairs are fully completed.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
