Tshwane repairs Zwartkop sewer pump after outcry over raw sewage spill
An obstruction at a pump station has caused sewage to run into the Hennops River and beyond for months. The metro says they expect the station to be repaired by May 19 or 20.
The Tshwane metro has finally addressed the malfunctioning sewer pump station on Akkerboom Street in Zwartkop, following complaints from a resident about raw sewage spilling onto the N1 highway and into the Hennops River.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed the metro was aware of the issue at the pump station and clarified the timeline and cause of the malfunction.
“The pump station was operational in February and only failed in May,” he said.
“The reference number given to the resident was issued on May 12.”
Mashigo explained that the malfunction was caused by a burnt-out motor in the submersible pump, which failed due to foreign objects obstructing the system.
“A contractor was arranged to address the challenge on May 18,” said Mashigo.
He said the pump station was expected to be fully operational by May 19 or, at the latest, by May 20, if no further complications arose.
Mashigo acknowledged repeated issues with sewer infrastructure and attributed these to ongoing budget constraints, noting that the metro is currently prioritising reactive maintenance for all 19 pump stations in Region 4.
“The Akkerboom Pump Station was last repaired in November 2024 after it was vandalised.”
Regarding long-term solutions, Mashigo explained that the city plans to install a new submersible pump and refurbish the current damaged one to serve as a relief pump, which would help mitigate future failures.
“A need has been identified for an adequate budget to perform preventative maintenance or replace worn-out pumps as needed,” he added.
While Tshwane has started identifying pump stations in need of major upgrades and is in the process of appointing consultants to design these improvements, the Akkerboom Pump Station is not on that list.
Mashigo said an upgrade at this stage is not considered necessary.
This response comes after Zwartkop Ext 4 resident Piet van der Merwe raised concerns over the environmental and public health risks posed by the broken pump station, which he claims has been spilling raw sewage since late February.
“The sewer pump is in very bad condition, and we’ve had people trying to clear grass and debris around it.
“The sewage flows onto the N1 highway, just before John Vorster, then it runs into the stormwater drains and straight into the Hennops River,” said Van der Merwe.
He noted the sewage has been flowing continuously, and the situation has persisted for months with little visible action from the metro.
“The sewage has been running down the N1 highway 24/7.”
Van der Merwe stressed the environmental impact, calling it a “national disaster” due to how the polluted river water flows beyond the metro’s borders.
“It runs down the Hennops River, past Centurion Mall, and into other parts of Gauteng and eventually the North West Province.”
In addition to pollution, he said the surrounding area has become increasingly unlivable due to fly infestations and a strong stench.
“I have a huge problem with flies because of the raw sewage that’s lying there. The stench is also very bad.”
He also expressed frustration over the metro’s response.
“A similar incident occurred previously, which was later fixed, but now we’re back to square one. I reported the matter to the city and received a reference number, but after that, I heard nothing.”
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