Johannesburg – Raw sewage flowing into the Jukskei River from Morninghill has also contaminated water sources downstream in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, reports Gauteng MPL Leanne De Jager, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson for the environment.
Sounding the alarm on Wednesday 15 July 2926, MPL De Jager said the contamination puts the health of residents at risk.
RELATED: Health Hazard Alarm: Raw Sewage From Burst Pipe Flows Into Moreleta River – The Bulrushes
“This is not a new problem; it is a worsening one, and it points squarely to a lack of political will to fix it,” said MPL De Jager.
“Despite repeated oversight visits, engagement with ward councillors, and correspondence to the Gauteng MEC for Environment, the underlying causes remain unaddressed.
“The sewage pipes are old and need to be replaced because they are leaking or bursting.”
MPL De Jager stated that when a pipe burst occurs, it is not repaired or replaced, and raw sewage flows directly into the river unchecked.
“Two administrations, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, are failing to coordinate a response, leaving residents and the environment to pay the price while officials pass the buck across municipal boundaries,” said the DA spokesperson on environment.
“This is not just an environmental failure; it is a public health emergency.
“Raw sewage in the water system endangers residents and damages fauna and flora.
“Furthermore, it also undermines Gauteng’s water security at a time when the province can least afford it.”
The DA demanded that a joint task team be established between the City of Ekurhuleni, the City of Johannesburg, and the Gauteng Department of Water and Sanitation, with a public, time-bound pipe replacement and repair schedule for the Morninghill sewage network.
“Furthermore, an emergency fund must be ring-fenced to replace the most critical failing pipe sections, rather than waiting for annual budget cycles,” suggested MPL De Jager.
“In addition, the Jukskei River’s water quality testing results must be published publicly, so residents can hold both municipalities accountable.”
The MPL called for the establishment of a coordinated anti-littering and river clean-up programme by ward councillors and community groups, backed by proper enforcement against illegal dumping.
“Officials in both municipalities must face consequences for inaction after years of documented complaints,” said MPL De Jager .
“The DA Gauteng will be engaging with our Deputy Minister of Water and the Minister of Environmental Affairs regarding this ongoing environmental disaster.
“Gauteng residents cannot continue to live alongside a river that has been turned into an open sewer.”
