After enduring an unexplained sewage stench around the area, a group of residents, from the Community Heroes, embarked on a hunt on the Pampoen Spruit to look for the cause.

The residents walked up the river, following the smell, and discovered a large pipe, gushing out sewage on the West of Beyers Naude Drive.

Resident Carsten Ullmann explained that, she cannot say how long it has been leaking, but looking at the eroded area around it, it must have been years.

Read more: Calls grow to remove ageing Olivedale water pipe

“When they mentioned that they have been reporting a leak for a while now, we decided to take a walk up the spruit, and see if we could find something. I didn’t know what to expect. I was looking for an overflowing manhole, rather we discovered this destroyed sewerage pipe.”

Ward 101 councillor Ralf Bittkau applauded the residents’ actions. He explained that, as this administration has proven itself to be close to useless, he welcomes the residents coming to the fore and helping to save this city.

“Following the detailed feedback from the residents, I was able to put additional pressure on Johannesburg Water, through their CEO. Finally, after months of avoiding and making excuses, they are taking action.

Also read: Despite numerous repairs leaks continue on Geelhout Street in Sharonlea

“The disregard of our environment by Johannesburg Water is unbelievable. All our sewage spills, directly or indirectly, end up in our river systems.

As we are on a watershed, we are destroying the rivers going south and west, as well as those going north and east.”

More questions have been sent to Johannesburg Water, and their response will be shared once available.

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