HEALTH HAZARD: ‘We stay in shit’ — Soweto awash in raw sewage as ageing system crumbles

In Soweto, a city-wide sewage crisis is underway as the aged sewer system succumbs to the strain of Johannesburg's burgeoning population. Daily, manholes burst open, releasing raw sewage into the streets and rivers, a stark symbol of Johannesburg Water's inability to keep pace with the city's growth. Daily Maverick's four-week investigation revealed human waste spewing from at least 25 manholes, contaminating communities from Mofolo to Chiawelo.

Thenjiwe Ngcobo, a resident of Senaoane, expressed her distress, stating, "We stay in shit, we smell shit, and our children are playing in shit. What is human about us when we are subjected to such disgust by the people we vote for? This is an indictment on the conscience of these uncaring officials who only care about themselves. They must be voted out this time."

Johannesburg Water, responsible for maintaining the sewerage network, attributes the problem to the city's population explosion and the infrastructure's failure to keep up. They also blame vandalism and residents flushing inappropriate items down toilets. This has left residents feeling helpless, with many reporting that temporary fixes are merely performative.

For instance, a high-pressure jet truck briefly cleared three manholes in Diepkloof on July 27, but all three were overflowing again by August 4. Similarly, five manholes in Chiawelo overflowed, sending sewage onto Chris Hani Road and even onto railway tracks near Midway Station. In Meadowlands and Pimville, residents complained that despite reporting the spillages, Joburg Water either took too long to respond or didn't respond at all.

The environmental impact is severe, with the Klipriver system suffering from high levels of E. coli due to the pollution. Daniel Masemola, director of water management and biodiversity in the City of Johannesburg, emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure investment, stating, "If the sewer is not reported on time, it continues to flow for some time and increases the levels of E. coli in the river system." The City and Johannesburg Water need to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration and protect public health.