Len Rutter Park: Source of stink located
The strong sewage smell in Len Rutter Park emanates from a blocked sewage drain at Unisa's Florida Surveying Area.
Residents around Len Rutter Park are enduring a nearly constant and worsening sewage odour that has become a serious nuisance.
Shane Maitland, who runs a swim school nearby and is involved with the Rand Society of Model Engineers which operates from the park, says the problem has intensified over recent months despite repeated complaints.
“It has been reported on numerous occasions, but we’ve not seen any action from Johannesburg Water to address the situation,” Maitland said.
“We operate the model trains in the park every Sunday, and every week the smell seems to worsen. The water quality is visibly deteriorating and discolouring.”
The Roodepoort Record raised the issue with Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, who promised to investigate.
A severe blockage upstream from Len Rutter Park has caused sewage to overflow into the stream running through the park and eventually into Florida Lake.
During a visit to the site on the Unisa Florida Campus Surveying Area in Barendina Street, Finn explained that Johannesburg Water had been made aware of the problem but initially struggled to access the area. He has since liaised with relevant contacts at Unisa to facilitate entry.
“The entity completed sewer system upgrades here just over a year ago, specifically to prevent this problem from recurring,” said Finn.
“It worked for a while, but the issue has resurfaced. I will continue engaging with Johannesburg Water to seek a permanent solution.”
While the councillor’s commitment offers hope, locals like Maitland and the many who enjoy the park, stress the urgent need for action to restore the environment and community well-being.
