The Tshwane metro has acknowledged that access challenges, worsened by persistent rainfall, contributed to delays in permanently resolving a sewer blockage at Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Park.

The issue has frustrated residents, who have been reporting it since July last year.

The sewer blockage at Stand 234 on Third Street was finally cleared on January 6, according to the metro.

This follows repeated complaints and follow-ups from the affected premises and residents, including Ditsibi Motor Engineering, where raw sewage had been spilling in front of the property.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the most recent intervention was successful.

“The clearing of the blockage at 234, Third Street, Ga-Rankuwa Industrial has been finalised,” said Mashigo.

Mashigo explained that while the spillage was addressed whenever it was reported, several operational challenges made it difficult to permanently clear the blockage.

“The spillage has always been attended to immediately on each occasion it was reported. However, there have been several challenges with regard to clearing the sewer blockage, such as limited access to the manholes that are located downstream,” said Mashigo.

He added that access problems were largely caused by wet conditions due to persistent rainfall, which prevented jetting trucks from reaching the affected manholes.

According to the metro, the last inspection and work undertaken at the site before the final clearance took place on January 3.

Despite these interventions, residents in the industrial park have raised concerns that repeated temporary responses failed to provide a lasting solution, allowing the problem to recur.

Mashigo acknowledged the seriousness of sewer spillages, particularly in an industrial area where employees and business operations are directly affected.

“The metro acknowledges the environmental and health impact of sewer spillages. Hence, the municipality has in place a major drive to conduct proactive maintenance on outfall and collector lines to limit and prevent future spillages. In addition, sewer blockages are prioritised as and when they are reported.”

Mapula Lebelo of Ga-Rankuwa Industrial Park have welcomed the clearing of the blockage but mentioned that the incident highlights broader service delivery challenges.

“Prolonged sewer spillages not only pose health and environmental risks but also disrupt daily operations and create unpleasant working conditions.

“As residents, we are suffering from the smell, and sometimes it’s difficult to live in such conditions,” said Lebelo.

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