The stench of neglect has hung over Newlands for more than a decade – and for Laerskool Esperanza Primary, has become unbearable. What began as a local concern has spiraled into a long-standing sewage crisis for the community.

Dawid van der Merwe, a long-time Newlands resident and former community liaison officer in Ward 86, has been at the forefront of the issue since it first surfaced, with emails requesting urgent intervention from 2009 to 2023. “The sewage leaks are not getting fixed and are popping up all over, especially near Esperanza. It’s been the same story since 2009, and nothing has changed. The situation has only become worse. Complaints to Johannesburg Water (JW) have piled up, but the problem remains unsolved.”

Read more: Newlands residents fed up as sewage crisis near Esperanza School worsens since 2009 

In an attempt to address the growing crisis, Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe called for an online public meeting on October 20. The councillor confirmed that JW officials, and environmental health experts, were invited to participate, calling the situation: “A health disaster we cannot allow to unfold.”

Fourie-Shawe highlighted that her ward has ageing sewer lines, collapsing storm water systems, and decades of under-investment. “What is happening at Esparanza is not an isolated case. Critical infrastructure fails where it matters most – next to schools, homes, and the community. No school should have to operate alongside a stream of raw sewage. It’s a public health risk. This issue has persisted far too long.”

Also read: UPDATE: Sewage overflow far more complex at Laerskool Esparanza Primary

According to JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, the depot attempted to clear a major blockage, but was unable to do so internally. “A specialised service provider was engaged to remove a large block of concrete – believed to be building rubble – that is obstructing the pipe.”

Shabalala added that progress has been delayed due to non-payment issues with contractors. “Many service providers did not want to bid, but the paperwork is currently being finalised with a new contractor.” She expressed hope that work could begin within the next few days, once all documentation was completed.

“The outfall sewer is earmarked for an upgrade, but the project depends on capital expenditure funding from the City of Johannesburg,” said Shabalala. “In the meantime, a temporary trench has been dug to allow water to flow into the pipeline and prevent further overflow into the schoolyard.”

While JW insists the situation is being treated as a priority, the community still waits for resolution to the promises made to put a stop to this long sludge issue.

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