RESIDENTS of La Lucia say they are facing an ‘environmental disaster’ as raw sewage, which has formed its own river, continues to flow into the ocean.

The stream of wastewater near the Armstrong Avenue wastewater pump station has also caused the banks along the lower end of Armstrong Avenue to erode.

The raw sewage, visible to anyone walking through the grassy area near the Ridge Road turning circle, flows under the M4 and out to an outfall pipe flowing onto the beach near Saratoga Park.

Also read: City’s proposal to build taxi holding facility in Prestondale hits a roadblock

On Saturday, residents expressed their anger over the situation, saying they were told the problem of sewage overflow was repaired in December.

According to Ward 35 councillor Bradley Singh, the repairs and installation of a new rising main sewer pipe was completed but subsequently failed, leading to wastewater continuing to flow.

“I’ve been in communication with the City and have been told there is a new design for the rising main, with construction expected to start at the end of July. As I understand the initial repair was carried out but was subsequently damaged by heavy rains. That cost R3m and now there is another plan to install a new one. However that is costing the ratepayers money. I understand the frustrations of residents, and ideally no untreated effluent should be flowing freely into the ocean.

“I’ve received several complaints on this issue. The City is fully aware of the situation and I can understand the department is trying everything within their means to resolve it, but this is unacceptable. Residents have rightly questioned where these funds are coming from and why the repairs are being carried out again. Residents in the area actively want to resolve the issue,” he said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here