ALBERTON – A recent incident in Thokoza even prompted the said department to call on the assistance of the fire brigade to remove rocks that were lodged six meters deep in the sewer line. Other items found included the corpse of a dog, vehicle tyres, shoes, clothing and general household waste.
According to Thokozani Maseko, Divisional Head for Water and Sanitation, the majority of blockages are caused by foreign objects that are disposed of into sewer manholes or flushed down toilets into the system on a daily basis. These include clothing, cutlery, newspapers, sanitary towels, disposable nappies and tyres.
“This practice causes damage to municipal infrastructure and ends up posing a threat to human health. When sewage overflows into the streets, residents, particularly children, become exposed to illnesses caused by waterborne diseases, which may be present in sewage effluent,” said Maseko.
This financial year the municipality has budgeted R7.48 million for maintenance to prevent sewer blockages. A large portion of the money is spent on repairing damaged infrastructure and clearing these purposely caused blockages.
Let’s all do our bit
The good news is we can all play a role to reduce the number of preventable blockages so that funds can be utilised towards developing a more effective system. It simply boils down to the proper disposal of waste.
To ensure that sewer system runs smoothly, citizens are also encouraged to report blocked and overflowing drains, missing manhole covers and any prohibited acts such as opening of manhole covers to dispose of rubbish. Theft of manhole covers should also be reported to the police.
Complaints can be reported to the EMM’s Municipal Services Call Centre on 086 054 3000 or through Twitter @EMM_Call_Center or online at www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/report-it
bull….. we have spent over R1900 in 3 days to open our drains when the problem was by Ekurhuleni, after we have reported it. they came to look and in 2min they said the main drain is open, they are rude and unprofessional, Saturday the drains were blocked again and it took a plumber and his guys 2 hours to open the drain after they pulled out balls, coke bottles and lady stuff. Alberton is going down FAST…