Call for long-term fix as sewer keeps blocking after repairs

The metro says a difficult terrain, risky working conditions, and repeated sewer blockages are the main reasons behind ongoing delays in resolving the long-standing sewer and water infrastructure problems in Ward 2 in the north of Pretoria.

According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the recurring sewer fountain that has become a notorious landmark at the entrance to Pretoria North has not gone unaddressed, but rather continues to resurface due to underlying challenges.

The blockage, he explained, has been cleared numerous times, but due to the location of the pipeline and the depth of the sewer manholes, gaining access to resolve the issue fully poses a high risk to municipal workers.

“This is a recurring sewer blockage which has been attended to numerous times, and not the same complaint reported in December 2024.

“The primary causes range from a previously collapsed pipeline, which has since been repaired, to the infiltration of solid objects.”

Mashigo confirmed that repairs are still ongoing, with teams on the ground deploying resources as complaints are logged.

Frustrated resident and Ward 2 Councillor Quentin Meyer argues that the recurring complaints point to a deeper infrastructure failure that requires more than temporary fixes.

“It’s not enough to say the blockage has been cleared when it reappears days later.

“The road in that area is deteriorating and is now unsafe to drive on. People’s safety and dignity are being compromised,” said Liam van Zyl.

Another growing concern is the suspected underground water leak near the bridge in Pretoria North, which many residents believe is weakening the surface and increasing the risk of road collapse.

The metro responded that preliminary findings suggest the leak may not be water-related, but rather a result of sewer spillage from East Street.

The maintenance team is set to investigate further once the current sewer blockage is addressed.

Mashigo acknowledged the role that aged infrastructure plays in repeated water and sewer problems.

“In parts of the Pretoria North area, the water distribution system has already been upgraded. However, issues are attended to as and when they are reported,” he added.

The lack of a clear resolution timeline remains a sticking point.

While Mashigo confirmed that resources have been deployed to address the matter, he said the timeline is determined by the nature of reported complaints, and that not all tasks are equal in complexity or urgency.

To monitor service delivery backlogs, the metro uses a performance monitoring tool to evaluate complaints and requests across regions.

Meyer said the blocked sewer in East Street has been out of commission for the eighth time.

“The metro comes out, opens it, and leaves but the problem keeps coming back.

“Something is seriously wrong here and it’s being ignored. We need a proper investigation and a long-term fix, not just another quick unblock,” he said.

He said the residents of Pretoria North deserve better.

“They deserve safe, clean streets and a functioning sewer and water system.

“We urge the metro to take immediate and decisive action to resolve these ongoing issues and to provide the community with a clear timeline for when repairs and fixes will be made.”

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