Eldorado Park residents demand answers over flooding sewerage system

The residents of Eldorado Park expressed their dissatisfaction and held the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) accountable for the flooded sewerage system in Klip River, which now runs in their residential area.

Residents alerted Ward 17 Clr Dwain Ponsonby about a terrible stench from the sewerage stream. Upon investigation, he discovered the river’s water was turning black because of the toxic discharge.

Ponsonby then called for an investigation by the Gauteng Department of Environment (GDEnv), voicing concerns over the severe potential impact on human health, local wildlife, and downstream agricultural areas that rely on the river for water.

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“The residents in the area are furious and they demand answers.

“The situation has already caused significant distress, and we cannot stand by and watch while it continues to jeopardise the health and safety of our community,” Ponsonby said.

He added the suspected cause of this water pollution appears to be an accidental release of hazardous materials by an alleged CoJ employee working at a nearby sewerage treatment plant.

“Somebody needs to be held accountable. The pollution has already led to fly infestations and is worsening respiratory conditions, particularly for residents with pre-existing health issues such as asthma or chest infections.

“Besides this, residents are also dealing with ongoing challenges from a nearby landfill site, which has contributed to dust and foul odours affecting daily life.

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“Many community members call for the landfill’s closure to protect their well-being.”

Ponsonby has called on the MEC for Environment, Shyla Peters, to ensure those responsible for the pollution are held accountable and that appropriate measures are in place to prevent a similar crisis from happening again.

The GDEnv compliance officer, Percy Rambau, stated initial reports pointed to human error as the cause, and the department committed to investigating the incident and preparing recommendations for action.
Readers will be updated on the outcome of the investigation.