‘Blocked stormwater cause of sewage blockage’ says Tiger Brands

Following the sewerage blockage that occurred at Cnr Pieter Bosman and Kock Street on 14 October, Tiger Brands’ officials conducted an investigation to assess the sorghum grains that had blocked the drainage system.

Kanyisa Ndyondya, Tiger brands’ spokesperson said King Foods can confirm that the sorghum grains that were found at a manhole had emanated from its factory.   “The issue arose as a result of a blocked municipal stormwater drain,” she said. She further explained that the sorghum grains that were found in the drain arose from their normal and approved cleaning process. “We sanitise and clean our grain germination facility on a daily basis, which results in a small amount of grain possibly being washed away as part of the cleaning process. This is then carried through our storm drainage system, which then feeds to the municipality storm drain system,” she said. According to Kanyisa, the storm drain was blocked by plastics and twigs. So when the drainage system is blocked, the rain fills the storm drainage system, therefore, it rises. “As a result of the blockage, there was also a build-up of the normal amount of sorghum that usually gets into our drains, which may have made the situation appear worse”. She can confirm the issue has been resolved and that the plastics and twigs that were blocking the drain have been removed.

She reassures the public that sorghum does not cause any environmental or personal harm. So there is nothing irregular with sorghum being in the drain system. Tiger Brands officials have engaged with the relevant stakeholders on the side where the issue occurred so that if any blockage reoccurs, they can assist with unblocking the drainage system. “We will continuously monitor the issue to limit occurrences like this. We apologise to the community for any inconvenience caused,” she said.

The Herald previously published an article where the affected residents brought forth their concerns.

Read more on: https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/79990/sorghum-grain-blocks-sewerage/