Rocky Street residents continue to suffer from stench
Sewage continues to flow in the streets of Ferndale due to the blocked manhole on Rocky Street.
Sewage leaks on Rocky Street and Eton Avenue in Ferndale are causing more than just health issues; the road is now riddled with potholes, posing a safety risk to motorists.
The sewer manhole, on the side of the street, is blocked and leaking, causing significant damage to the road. It is totally covered in potholes, and the smell is unpleasant for those who live nearby.
Read more: President Ridge residents cautiously optimistic their sewage issues are through
Another drain, inside Ferndale Arboretum Park, discharges sewage into the river. Ward 104 councillor Emi Koekemoer noted that the sewage issue has been a long-standing problem in the community. “This has now become a huge problem that needs multiple entities to repair. From Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), due to road degradation because of sewage, to an open arboretum park, that used to be protected, but is now overrun by litter pickers.”
In an attempt to fix the manhole, the fence of the arboretum was opened, leaving it exposed. It is now being overtaken over by waste pickers, who have built shacks. What was once a safe space for residents to enjoy, is now unsafe and full of waste.
The issues on Rocky Street, and in the arboretum, have also meant the Randburg Scouts have had to vacate their hall, and look for a new place to operate.
Sharon Venn, of the Randburg Scouts, explained that they moved out for a few reasons, but the deteriorating area, and sewage leak, contributed to the decision. “We managed to escalate the leak previously, as the repairs never seem to work for any period of time. The damaged road, right outside the hall, also caused traffic issues for us entering and exiting.”
She further stated that they started there in 1946. It has been difficult to maintain membership, even before the move, due to the circumstances in the area. “There were other issues as well, but the state of the road, the sewerage system, and the lack of streetlights, made it an unsafe environment, considering that we work with children from ages of 5 to 18. It is a pity that we are no longer in Ferndale, as our members are largely from the area and surrounding suburbs.”
Also read: Johannesburg Water fixes three month long sewage issue
On the Randburg Sun’s Facebook video post, related to the matter, Belinder Gerber explained that this problem has been endless, going on seven years now. Her complex regularly gets flooded by sewage, because the trees on the pavement block the main sewer line.
She said that they have tried to get the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) to remove the trees and reeds from the pavement, and to clear the roots in the sewerage line. “Unfortunately, we have had no joy. The last time, the complex had to pay to clear out the sewerage line, as it was the only way to get rid of the sewage in our complex. Not only do we have to pay for sewerage every month, but we also end up paying to have that line cleared.”
Johannesburg Water was contacted about the issue on May 28, but had not responded by the time of print. Their reply will be published once made available.
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