The metro has discovered that several factors are responsible for sewer blockages in Ekurhuleni, including the following:<\/p>\n
The metro has been experiencing population growth at a rate of 2.5 per cent over the last 10 years.<\/p>
The population growth problem is particularly acute in high density townships, as there are always some backyard households not ordinarily accommodated in the design of the sewer infrastructure.<\/p>\n
This results in massive pressure on the sewer system.<\/p>
There is rampant disposal of solids and plastics in the drainage system.<\/p>\n
Sewer blockages are caused by items such as cotton wool, rags, spoons, newspapers, clothing and sand used for scouring, that are trapped in the system.<\/p>\n
This abuse of the system triggers blockages and is often confirmed when there is a blockage, as heaps of sand are retrieved from the system.<\/p>\n
The metro is sitting on at least R700-million worth of overdue sewer infrastructure upgrades and replacements.<\/p>\n
The implication of having such a huge backlog is that infrastructure that has outlived its usefulness continues to render service, notwithstanding the poor service arising from the use of such infrastructure.<\/p>\n
A few residents are in the habit of stealing manhole covers for recycling and generally vandalising the infrastructure.<\/p>\n
With the stealing of manhole covers solids fall into the sewer, which causes sewer blockages.<\/p>\n
Residents also throw solids and plastics directly into the manholes.<\/p>\n
What we as a community can do to prevent blocked sewerage pipes:<\/p>\n
The metro continuously anticipates all infrastructure upgrade requirements and updates infrastructure plans annually.<\/p>\n
To this end, it has identified sewer upgrading and replacement programmes with a total value of R3.5-billion.<\/p>\n
Priorities have been identified based on the frequency of pipe bursts.<\/p>\n
The metro is actively finalising a grand programme to address all immediate and medium term infrastructure upgrading and replacement backlogs.<\/p>\n
Notwithstanding this mega programme, all blockages will be attended to within 48 hours in terms of service standards.<\/p>\n
The metro continues to engage communities through various mediums in order to educate the public about the correct use of sewer infrastructure.<\/p>\n
In addition, by-laws are in place and are continually enforced as part of the metro\u2019s second-tier approach to curbing the abuse.<\/p>\n
Irrespective of the many programmes and projects underway, the metro commits to respond and to resolve any pipe blockages.<\/p>\n
Accordingly, therefore, the public is encouraged to report all incidents through the call centre, by calling 086 054 3000.<\/p>\n
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