Johannesburg Water (JW) is urging Bergbron residents and businesses to stop disposing of fats, oils and grease into the sewer network following recurring sewage blockages in the area.

The warning comes after the utility identified the accumulation of fats as the primary cause of recurring sewer blockages and overflows affecting parts of Bergbron.

The affected areas include Bernard Street, Jonkershoek Road and Meg’s Place, where residents have raised concerns about sewage repeatedly overflowing onto the streets.

JW spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said investigations into the affected sewer pipeline had identified fat accumulation as the main cause of the blockages.

• Read the initial article here: Johannesburg Water fails to fix 12-year Bergbron sewer crisis

“During clearing operations, JW teams have on numerous occasions removed significant quantities of fat from the sewer network,” she said.

The entity is now calling on residents and businesses to play their part in preventing further blockages by avoiding the disposal of fats, oils, grease and cooking residue into drains and toilets.

Shabalala explained that these substances can solidify inside sewer pipelines, restricting the flow of wastewater and contributing to further blockages and overflows.

“Members of the public and businesses are encouraged to refrain from disposing of fats, oils, grease, cooking residue and other inappropriate materials into the sewer network, as these substances solidify within pipelines and contribute significantly to sewer blockages and overflows,” she said.

The entity said it continues to monitor the affected sewer line and is undertaking reactive and preventative maintenance interventions to restore the efficient operation of the system.

A timeline of repairs has not been stipulated.

The warning follows complaints from Bergbron residents who say sewage overflows have become increasingly frequent, with some residents reporting incidents every few weeks.