Residents of Brackendowns and Brackenhurst in Ekurhuleni have raised alarm over a recurring sewer overflow along the R550 Kliprivier Road, saying ongoing spillages are creating significant health, environmental and infrastructure concerns as wastewater reaches the Kliprivier and may flow into the Vaal River.
Local officials call for urgent, lasting repairs
Ward 106 councillor Tim Denny inspected the site with local residents and said the City of Ekurhuleni had attended to the overflow on 2 August but the problem reappeared within days. He described the situation as severe and said he intended to take the matter to Parliament should corrective action not follow.
“This has been going on for at least four months. We are calling upon the department to come and fix this. I am now going to elevate this matter to Parliament. This is absolutely catastrophic,” said Denny.
Resident Jack Morrick, who has lived in Brackendowns for 33 years, told reporters the sewer system has deteriorated despite repeated repairs and that the cause has never been properly addressed. Morrick suggested that ageing trees, with roots extending into underground pipes, might be contributing to repeated blockages — a theory the city reportedly disputed.
Health and environmental implications
Observers visiting the site on 5 August reported seeing raw sewage flowing along the roadside near the Kromvlei Cemetery and into the Kliprivier. Residents said the foul smell is particularly strong at night and that wastewater reaches nearby streets, creating an immediate nuisance and potential health risk.
Public exposure to untreated sewage can increase risk of gastrointestinal and skin infections, among other conditions. Anyone experiencing symptoms they believe are linked to contaminated water or exposure to sewage should seek medical attention at a clinic or their doctor rather than attempting self-treatment.
What residents want
- Immediate, permanent repairs to the failing sewer infrastructure rather than temporary fixes;
- Investigation into the underlying cause of recurring overflows, including whether tree roots or ageing pipes are to blame;
- Measures to protect nearby rivers and wetlands from further contamination.
Residents said they have repeatedly reported the problem to the city, and that temporary interventions have not halted the recurrence of overflows. The wastewater currently runs close to residential areas, the cemetery and natural wetland areas before joining the Kliprivier.
Incident timeline
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visible overflows observed | At least four months, according to residents |
| City attendance | Reported attendance on 2 August, with the problem recurring afterwards |
| Escalation | Ward 106 councillor intends to raise the matter in Parliament if unresolved |
The civic and environmental implications of repeated sewage discharges into tributaries of the Vaal are of concern beyond the immediate locality. Residents and their councillor are urging the municipality to undertake a durable engineering response and to address any contributing factors such as ageing infrastructure.
Officials from the City of Ekurhuleni were reported to have attended to the overflow but, according to local accounts, have not acknowledged tree roots as a cause. Residents remain concerned about the continuing stench, the contamination of streets and wetlands, and the potential transport of pathogens downstream.
Members of the public affected by sewer overflows should avoid contact with contaminated water and follow public health guidance. If you believe you have been exposed and develop symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or skin irritation, consult your nearest clinic or healthcare provider promptly.
