Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe was alerted to a serious issue involving a burst manhole near the infamous Greymont Bridge on August 7.

She stated that the situation has escalated to a public health concern, as raw sewage was reportedly bubbling up and flowing downstream, even reaching private property on Stellenberg Road. “It’s a health hazard and a disgrace.”

Read more: Burst manhole spews sewage near Greymont Bridge

She emphasised that this incident highlights a troubling reality: The infrastructure in Johannesburg is crumbling before our eyes. “This is symptomatic of a greater issue in the city regarding the administration’s failure to prioritise maintenance and repairs.”

Fourie-Shawe expressed her frustration over the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure, stating that such incidents are a constant reminder of the challenges she faces in her role.

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the blockage near the Greymont Bridge, which was cleared on August 8, was caused by illegal dumping and the damaging effects of foreign material entering the system. Such materials, like mattresses, rags, fats, oils, grease, and silt, obstruct pipes and damage manholes, leading to significant operational disruptions and the potential for long-term structural harm.

Residents reported to the publication that displaced individuals are purposefully putting large objects to clog pipes. Shabalala explained that even something as simple as a mattress can immediately block up to 100% of a pipe’s capacity. “This accumulation of waste creates conditions where rags, grease, and debris get trapped, leading to full blockages. This not only hampers sewage flow but also causes upstream surcharging, which can result in dangerous sewage overflows.”

Residents are urged to properly dispose of waste to prevent these costly and harmful consequences for the city’s water infrastructure.

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