Sewage flows for two weeks on Robindale streets
Robindale residents demands a permanent solution over a constant sewage leak on Esmaralda Crescent.
Sewage has been running down Esmaralda Crescent in Robindale for two weeks, even after reporting and escalations from the residents and the ward councillor.
Read more: Johannesburg Water fixes 2-week sewage leak in Cresta Ext 2
The leak comes from a blocked drain, and runs down the road in front of residents’ gates to the manhole. Cars that drive on the sewage take it into their garages, while surrounding residents suffer from the stench.
Resident Marius De Wet explained that the leak is not a result of rain or anything, it’s just blockages.
He said that his main concern is the health risk this problem presents to them. “I run a business from home that does catering. My garage is filthy at the moment with all the residue. So, it’s a real big problem. The frustration is that it doesn’t matter how many times you log calls, they keep on telling you it’s escalated.” He added that leaks like this happen every couple of months, and they take weeks of begging to get fixed. “We get references, but tickets continue to be closed. All escalations fall on deaf ears. Our ward councillor is also not able to do a thing. We are into two weeks now and this is a serious health crisis.”
Ward 99 councillor Hendrick Bodenstein confirmed that he is aware of the issue and has been pushing to have it sorted.
“I am frustrated, like the residents. These issues need to be attended to quickly, but it’s not happening. I have escalated these many times, but there has been no response from Johannesburg Water (JW).”
Another affected and frustrated resident Sean Harmer explained that he has an arts studio which backs onto the street. “It’s unacceptable. It’s unhealthy. We’ve got flies everywhere. We phone every day. It’s just crazy.”
He further stated that they want a permanent solution to the problem from the entity. “There’s obviously something blocking the drain. We can’t pay for it, even if we wanted to, we aren’t allowed to touch this drain.”
The smelly water has also caused erosion and potholes on the road in front of Harmer’s house. “We are paying thousands of rands a month for sewage, but it’s running down our streets, into our rivers. On either side of me are ladies that have babies. It’s not safe.
Nolwazi Dlamini, of JW, acknowledged that inquiries were received, and noted that they were sent to the depot for a response. More updates will be published once made available.
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