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Ward 9 Councillor Update on Baakens River Spillage

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I sent the following e-mail to the Metro re the sewage in the Baakens River

“… I hereby request an urgent meeting with all roleplayers involved so that this situation can be investigated and a plan of action and way forward be decide on soonest.  I expect a proposed date for said meeting within 24 hours of this e-mail otherwise I will have no alternative but to take further action.”

and received the following information from the Assistant Director: Wastewater Conveyance today after a site visit was conducted:

“1. Woodlands pump-station is fully functional.

2. Spillage into the Baakens River was caused by the surcharging sewer which is located along the/  in the river bed. The sewers were surcharging due to the illegal discharge of stormwater into the sewer system. The high volumes of water caused the sewer manholes to pop at two spots in the valley. As these two spots were dead bang in the middle of the river, it was to dangerous for our staff to replace the covers while the sewers continued to surcharge, as well the high flow of water in the river. (in last week).

Plan of action to clean up:

1. My Superintendent has advised me today, that the flow in both the sewer pipe and the river has eased up. This means our staff can now enter the area and replace the manhole covers. We are also looking at options to prevent the covers from lifting under heavy flows again.

2. We will also be cleaning up where necessary, and bring in top soil to cover the affected areas. This activity will happen tomorrow, as we had to organise plant for bringing in the top soil.

We apologise for the delay ito attending to the spillage, but as indicated above this could only be done once the sewer stopped surcharging.”

I will monitor the situation and will take it further in Council should need be.

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Ward 9

Councillor Heinrich Muller (Democratic Alliance) Ward 9: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality 78 Kragga Kamma Road, Sunridge Park, 6045 Phone: 041 3600447 / 083 648 1916 Fax: 086 504 6380 E-Mail: ward9[at]mandelametro.gov.za "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." (Chinese proverb)