Sewage flows unceasing

Another month down the line and the sewage leaks in Windsor East are only getting worse.

One pipe that bursts regularly on the corner of Republic Road and Princesses Avenue is possibly the worst of the lot, and has been a bane for residents for years.

But it has been bursting even more frequently lately and residents have to wait up to a week for each repair.

Ward 98 councillor Beverley Jacobs said she has raised the matter with Joburg Water many times, and the entity has held educational talks with residents as to what may and what may not be flushed, as blockages have led to some bursts.

“The causes are as a result of various factors – namely, aged infrastructure, and the flushing of non-organic material, fats, oils, greases, diapers and sanitary towels down the toilets,” she said.

“In an attempt to deal with the aged infrastructure, I have made a submission for the past four years via the integrated development plan process in an attempt to have funds set aside to upgrade the infrastructure. Johannesburg Water has conducted countless education drives, whereby they have advised residents about the dos and don’ts of taking care of the sewerage system.”

Aki Gheothous and his family have to live outside the same recurring burst mentioned above.

“This last leak has been going on for five days,” the disgruntled resident explained recently.

“We phone Joburg Water and there is no answer. When they do eventually fix the leak, they always leave the road a mess.”

Jacobs said after many site visits and establishing the infrastructure was in need of an upgrade, the Johannesburg Water depot manager submitted a motivation for funds to upgrade the infrastructure.

Johannesburg Water communications officer, Eleanor Mavimbela was notified about the issue and questions were posed to her.

This is a developing story, and Randburg Sun will report on any updates as they occur.