Sewage spillage in Akasia finally fixed
“Technicians attended to the blockage using a jetting truck on Saturday; however, due to the inaccessibility of the other manholes, the city had to organise a TLB to gain access. The team completed the repairs on Tuesday.”
Residents from Akasia, in the north of Pretoria, can take a breath of fresh air since the Tshwane metro addressed a sewage spillage in extension 31.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro had upon receipt of this query investigated to locate the blockage to fix it.
“The exercise was tedious as the blockage could not be identified at the address provided and the sewer line in the area was flowing normally.”
He said further investigations were conducted and the blockage point was eventually located at an open veld where a manhole was covered by rubble from an illegal dumping site.
“Technicians attended to the blockage using a jetting truck on Saturday; however, due to the inaccessibility of the other manholes, the city had to organise a TLB to gain access.
“The team completed the repairs on Tuesday.”
One of the residents from The Orchards, Kagiso Makgatho (45), who was very concerned about the spillage, said he was “very relieved that the metro eventually addressed the issue”.
Earlier, Makgatho had said it was reported to the Tshwane metro numerous times, “for months if not years”, to no avail.
The spillage that occurred right behind Garden Road where Makgatho lives was worked on in February this year but was however not repaired.
According to Makgatho, all the households adjacent to that street were being affected. He said it reached a point where it has become unbearable.
Residents complained about an awful smell they had to endure daily and said they had a constant problem with flies.
Makgatho also said residents have started to dump their rubbish there; attracting all kind of problems that usually accompanies illegal dumping.
According to Makgatho, community members’ health was at risk as well as the entire neighbourhood and environment.
Makgatho said what he found disturbing was that the municipality has been aware of the issue for months and possibly years.
He said the metro was not concerned about the sewage spillage as it was only getting worse.
Petrus Malope, the local councillor, confirmed the issue was referred to the metro two months ago.
In the meantime, Tshwane ward 42 councillor and MMC for utilities and regional operations, Phillip Nel, died on Thursday afternoon.
Nel’s death came a day after it was announced that he would not be able to continue with his duties as MMC due to health issues.
Mayor Randall Williams announced that ward 47 councillor Daryl Johnston would be replacing him.
Colleagues have since shared messages of condolences on social media.
Posts stated his death was a great loss to the community, his ward, family, friends and colleagues, as well as to the council.
ALSO READ: Residents outraged about sewage spillage
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