Relief for Vale Avenue Residents as Two-Year Sewer Stench Finally Addressed

Residents of Vale Avenue in Randburg can finally enjoy fresh air and open windows after enduring two years of a persistent foul odour caused by repeated sewer pipe bursts at the Ferndale Spruit. The ongoing sewage leaks not only affected air quality but also spilled into the spruit, creating an environmental and public health concern.

Ward 104 Councillor Emi Koekemoer highlighted the long-standing nature of the issue, expressing frustration with the stopgap measures taken to address it.

“The stench was unbelievably bad,” Koekemoer said. “Residents could not open windows in their homes or step outside without being nauseated by the overwhelming smell of sewage. While the patchwork approach Johannesburg Water has taken offers some relief, it’s not sustainable. Our infrastructure along the green belts needs to be audited and treated as a crisis.”

Johannesburg Water (JW) acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the Randburg area. According to spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala, the repairs for the sewer pipe burst took longer than usual due to the discovery of multiple burst sections along the same pipe.

“A portion of the burst pipe has been repaired, which was the initial issue requiring attention. However, further assessments revealed another burst, necessitating additional work and preparation,” Shabalala explained.

She added that the typical repair turnaround time is 24 hours but can vary based on the complexity of the situation, available resources, and the need for specialised equipment like jetting trucks.

“When external contractors are required, the process can take up to 10 days, excluding the administrative tasks involved in appointing a service provider,” Shabalala said.

Despite the recent repairs, Koekemoer stressed the need for a comprehensive solution to prevent future issues.

“Our infrastructure along the green belts needs immediate attention. Relying on short-term fixes will only prolong the problem. We need a full audit and crisis-level response to safeguard residents and the environment,” she said.

While the repairs have provided temporary relief, the persistent nature of the problem highlights the need for significant infrastructure upgrades. Local authorities and residents hope for a more sustainable plan to ensure the Randburg community does not face another two years of unbearable odours and environmental damage.

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