A sewerage pipe is at a risk of completely disintegrating or becoming a strong competitor to a fruit and vegetable shop.
The pipe in question lies across a storm-water drain in Hy Many Park on Randpark Drive in Randpark Ridge.
According to Phil Culham, chairperson of Randpark Ridge Village Association, the sewerage pipe was ‘patched up’ a couple of years ago. “It is the main sewerage pipe and if it breaks, all of the sewage will flow straight into the Klein Jukskei River,” added Culham.
On the lighter side, but no less serious, the extent of the pipes degradation is evident by the produce growing out from the cracks in the pipe.
Tomatoes and other plants are actually growing out of the pipe, indicating a serious problem. “If the pipe is left in this condition it is a major concern that the roots of the plants may block the sewage,” said Culham.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Eleanor Mavimbela commented, “A team went out to investigate the sewer pipe and they found that the section of pipe needs to be replaced.”
Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau explained, “A lot of the sewerage pipes in the City are exposed to higher water levels due to the rise of infrastructure.”
Although Councillor Bittkau expressed his pleasure at the plans to fix the pipe, he is still despondent. “It is an ongoing problem and we have urged Joburg Water to physically walk the banks of our rivers to view the state of the pipes,” added Councillor Bittkau.
Mavimbela added, “They are currently busy with the necessary steps needed for the replacement of the pipe.”
“They patched it before and it was like putting a band-aid on an amputation,” stated Culham. He further added that the pipe is extremely old and in bad shape, the pipe needs to be replaced in its entirety.
Details: Johannesburg Water, customer@jwater.co.za or 011 688 1400.
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