Source of sewage odor in Lonehill identified
Residents of Lonehill in Johannesburg have been dealing with a sewage leak that has been contaminating the Jukskei River.
The sewage leak, which has continued for over 10 days, has sparked environmental concerns, with fears that it could pose a serious threat to the local ecosystem.
It has also caused a horrible stench, and Lonehill residents are at their wits end. The source of the leak originates from a malfunctioning pump station near Tanglewood Estate in Beverley, writes the Fourways Review.
Despite multiple reports to Johannesburg Water, untreated sewage from the leak continues to flow into the Jukskei River.
Deteriorating infrastructure causing sewage leak
Ward 94 councillor David Foley has confirmed the leak, and attributed it to ageing infrastructure at the pump station.
According to Foley, the problem has persisted for the past two years, with temporary repairs only providing short-term relief before the station fails again.
“I did reach out to Joburg Water and they did come here a few times to fix it,” he said. “Unfortunately, the repairs would only last for a short time before it would burst again.”
“We have now decided to revamp the pump station because it is old. A plan has been put in place to get it up and running again even though it might take a little while.”
“I understand the stench is horrible for the residents at the moment, but we are working on it.”
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nolwazi Dlamini acknowledged a media inquiry into the matter, and indicated that the issue of the sewage leak was being investigated.
City of Cape Town explores new sewage solutions
In related news, the City of Cape Town says it is exploring new sewage treatment measures at its three marine outfalls in Camps Bay, Green Point and Hout Bay.
This decision comes in response to continued public concern regarding the city’s sewage outfalls, especially in Hout Bay, where there have been reports of excessive sewage discharge beyond permitted levels.
Read more on that story here.