Johannesburg Water (JW) has been unable to identify the source of a stormwater sewer blockage at the corner of Hunter Street and Oak Avenue in Ferndale.
For the past eight months, foul-smelling water has continuously flowed down the road, causing significant damage to the surface.

Oak Avenue is now riddled with potholes that pose a danger to motorists. Resident Mark Knocker claimed that JW visited the site in an attempt to resolve the issue, but failed to stop sewage from spilling out of a stormwater drain.

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“This is a health hazard, and it has destroyed the tar surface at a busy intersection. That, besides the stench that comes from this section of road. The smell is unbearable; the potholes are difficult to navigate around.”

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He added that it’s unthinkable how JW allows sewage to run through streets under its jurisdiction. “There are churches, schools and a busy shopping centre not far from where this sewage spills onto the street.”

On June 13, JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed that the utility was aware of the issue. She stated that investigations had begun and that efforts were underway to address the problem. However, the team was unable to access the blockage because a customer had connected a sewer overflow pipe into the stormwater system.JW said it was exploring alternative ways to reach the blockage. Yet, four months later, sewage continues to flow through the streets of Ferndale.
Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water, but no response has been received. Their reply will be published once available.

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