What was once a normal stormwater drain gully at the intersection of Francis and Dormehl roads in Anderbolt has become a home for illegal dumping, causing an unbearable stench.
The road has turned into an eyesore for local businesses around the area and motorists who use that road on a daily basis.
In one of the drains, sand and grass can be seen growing inside the gully.
The garbage has clogged up the stormwater drain, preventing the free flow of water when it rains.
According to local business owners in the area, such conditions have resulted to flooding on the road due to the blocked drains.
This prevents motorists from using that road when it rains.
Affected local business compliance officer at FHS, Kira Van Dyk said the problem started around 2014.
“We’ve reported the matter to the municipality numerous times, but nothing has been done. The only time that we saw municipal employees was sometime in 2014 when they cleared the drain after we complained, but since then the metro has turned a blind eye,” van Dyk said.
Van Dyk said they are concerned about the health and environmental risks posed by the waste materials.
According to Ward 23 Clr and DA Shadow MMC for Environment and Waste Management Services in Ekurhuleni, André du Plessis, for the past few years these stormwater gullies have accumulated so much pollution that they no longer serve as stormwater channels, but as a dumping ground for anyone.
“Informal recyclers also operate along the banks of these gullies when they select what they want to recycle and what they don’t want they dump inside the stormwater drain.
“When it rains the accumulation of the rubble gets stuck underneath the passage of the drainage system which results in water spilling onto the road uncontrollably and vehicles can’t pass there,” he said.
He said the rest of the water inside the drain flows to Boksburg Lake where it pollutes the water.
“It’s no use spending millions on Boksburg Lake’s water body if it’s going to be degraded again over a period of time. The Department of Roads and Stormwater needs to clean the gully as soon as possible,” du Plessis said.
Employees from Filtration and Exhaust Specialists tried to lodge a complaint through the municipal call centre since last week but apparently their calls where never answered.
The metro failed to respond to the Advertiser’s query before the time of going to print.
