An unpleasant scent hits the streets of Ruimsig

Roelf du Toit from Ruimsig is among the residents who are concerned about a leaking sewerage drain which flows into a nearby dam close to Handicap Street. This could be a health hazard.

Du Toit, who runs a Super Self Storage business in Abraham van Wyk Road in Ruimsig, said he has made attempts to contact Johannesburg Water’s head of operations who has promised to ensure that the problem is fixed completely.

Another resident from Ruimsig Informal Settlement Ishmael Thathaisa said he was concerned about his health and that of his neighbours and children.

“People from the area visit the dam which is near the Ruimsig Athletics Stadium to fish for a living. Our children play in this area and this can cause diarrhoea or other sicknesses,” he added.

Thathaisa said the leak is from the main sewer and runs down Handicap Street pouring into the dam.

Another resident Ernest Litabe said the smell from the sewage is unacceptable.

“We breathe the smell day and night and unfortunately there is nothing we can do,” said Litabe.

According to Litabe, people continue to fish in the dam and eat the fish even though they are aware of the sewerage leak.

“This poses a serious health risk and I wish the municipality could ensure that the sewage is completely fixed as it poses health disasters like diarrhoea,” he said.

Ward 97 Councillor Jaco Engelbrecht said the problem needed urgent attention, and as the municipal capital budget proposed the renewal of waste water bulk infrastructure and installation of storm water drains in the area, that could eliminate health risks.

Johannesburg Water’s spokesperson Millicent Kabwe insisted the reports were attended to and provided dates as proof.

“The depot will assess the sewer line due to the frequent bursts,” she added.