The investigation into pollution along the river system running through Strubens Valley, Peter Road and towards Two Rivers Estate and Cypress Road has continued, with resident Armand van der Merwe tracing the watercourse upstream and identifying several points where sewage appears to be entering the river.

The latest developments follow the Roodepoort Northsider’s initial report on August 10 on the strong smell, greenish water and foam observed along the river that was raised by residents living near the stream.

Johannesburg Water (JW) previously confirmed that water-quality testing showed poor microbiological quality, with consistently elevated E. coli counts indicating persistent sewage contamination.

The utility later confirmed that a damaged sewer pipeline linked to the Sjampanje Road area was repaired on July 25. JW’s Roodepoort/ Randburg regional manager Langutani Chauke said a new manhole was constructed to connect the existing steel pipe with an asbestos cement pipe. The repair was described as an interim reconnection.

JW also said the sewer spillage at Sjampanje Road had affected the river system downstream and that it would monitor the system to determine whether pollution remained.

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Following the repair, Van der Merwe traced the river upstream from the Christiaan de Wet side. “I literally walked next to the river, all the way up,” he said.

Van der Merwe said he found a significant sewage discharge further upstream, as well as several blockages in the surrounding sewer network.

About 400m from the river, behind the Strubens Valley United Church, he said he found a pipe running from a manhole towards the river.

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“There’s no pipe there,” he said, referring to a section he said should connect the sewer across the river.

He said a previous attempt by JW contractors to reconnect the pipe using PVC had failed. “It fell, and it’s lying in the river.”

He also identified several blocked drains and manholes. One manhole, he said, was filled with bees and had to be dealt with before it could be accessed.

Van der Merwe said community members helped find a beekeeper to remove the bees, after which the sewer was cleared. He said further blockages required JW to return and carry out jetting on the sewers near the two restaurants on Florin Road.

The Northsider sent JW a media enquiry on August 11, requesting comment by Friday, August 14, on the additional sewage discharge points, including questions about inspections, possible sources of contamination and follow-up water-quality testing.

By Monday, August 17, no response had been received. A follow-up email was subsequently sent to JW requesting a response. An update will be published once a response has been received.