Oakdene storm water servitude: After many complaints still no service from City of Johannesburg

Ann Howard (65) has been desperate for assistance in resolving matters related to storm water servitudes.

The river servitude and the storm water system runs parallel to each other on the south-eastern boundary of her property at Outeniqua Ave Oakdene Extension One.

“I have reported the matter and I have been ignored. There is also a lack of response from the councillor, Micheal Crichton, regarding the removal of household waste and garden refuse dumped by neighbours on the walkway outside of my property. The councillor is not responding to the problems,” said Howard.

She said both matters have been reported through all avenues which is via email, SMS and WhatsApp messages to the local regional councillor, JRA, Joburg water, and others.

Howard said the natural river runs like a flood especially with heavy rains. “The river flows through Oakdene, Eastcliff, under the Glen Shopping Centre, passing the Glenanda border, flowing by Glenvista through to the Glenvista Golf Course, meandering through Glenvista Ext Five, into the Klipriversberg Wildlife Sanctuary, to the wetlands at Zwartkopjes, into the Klipriver, and eventually feeding into the Vaal Dam.

“The local councillor, as well as Joburg Water, has been contacted by myself on more than one occasion. This is not an uncommon occurrence and Joburg Water have been summoned by me several times. “Over time, due to the developments that have taken place in the immediate surrounds, from further up the river (my property lies at the lowest point), the run-off rainwater has increased in great volumes within the river, so much so it erodes the river banks and silts up the river bed and because of this my property has flooded on three occasions.

“In fact, in heavy rains when the manholes lift with the water force, a strong sewer smell is in the air, instead of the scent of fresh rainwater,” she said.

Howard said the only person who ever paid a real interest in her problem was Jane Eagle, who she understands to be CoJ’s environmentalist.

“Ms. Eagle’s response to my problem upon inspecting the site several years back stated that the two adjacent houses, mine and a neighbour should never have been allowed to be built as part of the Oakdene Ext Township because this section is considered a form of wetlands.

She said with regard to her complaints about the sewer overflow, she eventually received an SMS from the local councillor saying that he aimed to meet Joburg Water at her premises. However, they would confirm the following day. But she did not hear from him again after his SMS.

“From what I understand the river course falls under the Roads Department which are not interested. Sewer falls under Joburg Water and they are not interested. Walkways and pavements are apparently under Parks Department and they are not interested. I could not tell you what the local councillor does or why there appears to be a lack of interest.”

“In the meantime, I live with the daily stench of sewer and the unhealthy conditions thriving in the river, as well as on my pavement. These conditions are not only unhealthy for humans but also for wildlife.”

When the COURIER contacted Eleanor Mavimbela from Joburg Water she said the matter is not handled by Joburg Water but the JRA.

“JRA is responsible for storm water drains. She should report to them to find answers and solutions of her matter,” said Mavimbela. Crichton said he will be in contact with her soon and find out all he needs to know about Howard’s concern.

Crichton further said, “There has been historic issues in Oakdene Extension One, with occasional sewage smells. 
“Previously, V Moodley, who at the time was the director of executive support in the office of the MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Development Services, sent me a report stating there were two blocked sewers at the corner of Soutpansberg and Tafelberg drives, Oakdene.

“I visited the site on August 31, with the JHB Water Depot manager. They investigated and could not locate the fault. I will also be taking this issue up with the Johannesburg Roads Agency and Environmental Health. 

“Pikitup has been requested to clear the refuse illegally dumped in front of Ms Howard’s property. If anyone knows who has been dumping, please come forward with the information so I can take the matter up with the JMPD,” Crichton concluded.

The COURIER sent several emails to JRA without any reply from JRA. On August 26 the COURIER received the following email from Kelebogile Mafa at JRA: “Please provide us with the resident’s full address or contact number so we can get our inspectors to the site?”

The COURIER will keep our readers updated.