Protect City’s sewer and sanitation infrastructure
A new dangerous practice has reared its head within the City of Johannesburg - the mining for valuables and precious metals inside our sewer lines.
I have been informed of desperate persons gaining access to our sewer lines, causing blockages in the system by obstructing the flow of sewer, and then sifting through sewer for valuables such as jewelry.
This is dangerous; it puts the health of these residents in great jeopardy and is a truly saddening practice.
The practice is a sign of the high levels of unemployment which has plagued the South African economy.
This said, we cannot allow the practice to continue as it causes tremendous damage to our existing infrastructure. I appeal to all residents to report suspicious activity to the JMPD 24/7 hotline on 011 758 9650.
I also appeal to the residents of Johannesburg to take care of sewer and sanitation infrastructure by appropriately disposing of waste such as cotton buds, nappies, paper and rags.
Johannesburg Water is able to successfully unblock sewer lines, but is places unnecessary strain on sewer lines when solid waste block the system.
When solid waste is wrongfully disposed of in the sewer system, it also negatively impact on our system and leads to unnecessary operational expenses which could be better spent by providing sanitation services in informal settlements.
We have over 45 000 water leaks in our water pipes and our City has an unfunded infrastructure backlog which sits at R170 Billion over the next 10 years. However, the City only has R10 billion to address a R170 billion shortfall.
Joburg Water alone has a shortfall of approximately R5.8 billion. To successfully upgrade our sewer system, we require R435million per annum to replace 231 km annually; sewer pump stations renewals cost R4 million p/a; wastewater treatment works renewal requires R280 million per year; and sewer upgrading and extensions require R102 million p/a.
This brings our Sewer Upgrading and Renewal requirement to R 821 million p/a.
Unfortunately, with the City’s limited resources it is not possible to meet the required need. This is why we must ask every resident to support us by doing their part.
As residents, we all have the responsibility to look after shared infrastructure.
We can only turn Johannesburg into a city that works, if we all work together.
Media enquiries:
Cllr Nico de Jager
MMC: Environment and Infrastructure Services Department
083 899 2127
NicoDe@joburg.org.za
