President Ridge residents cautiously optimistic their sewage issues are through
Though the sewage leak has been fixed, residents of President Ridge are calling for urgent, long-term solutions to avoid more sewage flooding, which damages properties, affects health, and disrupts daily life.
Residents of President Ridge are breathing a sigh of relief after Johannesburg Water (JW) resolved the persistent sewage issue that had plagued the area for months. While residents are grateful for the long-awaited intervention, they remain cautious, noting that this is not the first time such repairs have been made without lasting results.
Read more: Johannesburg Water fixes three month long sewage issue
The sewage issue, which had been ongoing for close to a year, reached a critical point in recent weeks, with raw sewage flooding four properties on Bridge and André streets every one to two days. According to Vernon Wilson, a resident who is directly affected: “This has been going on for months, but in the last two weeks, it has been unbearable. The health risks are alarming.”
Wilson added that he and his wife are old and are at risk due to the unsanitary conditions, and their pets had fallen ill as a result of the contamination. “We’ve logged countless requests, probably four in just eight days, but the problem kept recurring,” he said.
Despite temporary fixes, the issue would resurface within days, leaving properties flooded with sewage and causing significant damage.
Also read: WATCH: Sewage causes frustration for Northgate residents
“This has been an ongoing nightmare,” Wilson added. “The team fixed the burst pipe but left the area in disarray, even blocking a neighbour’s driveway. The sewage issue was not addressed, and now we’re dealing with health hazards and property damage.”
In emails to JW, Wilson highlighted the lack of after-hours emergency support and the stress it has caused. Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman echoed these concerns, urging JW to provide manned contact numbers for emergencies, and address the root cause of the problem.
Although the recent intervention by JW has brought temporary relief, residents are demanding a comprehensive solution to prevent future incidents. The recurring nature of the problem highlights the need for infrastructure upgrades and consistent maintenance to ensure the safety and health of the community.
“Thank goodness they fixed it this time, but we need a permanent resolution,” Wilson said.
For now, President Ridge residents remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that this repair will finally mark the end of their ordeal.
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