“Keep your gas masks within reach and close all windows and doors. For those with the option of alternative accommodation, it may be wise to consider a temporary move.”
These were the words of a concerned resident in the Milnerton area after the collapse of the Racecourse Pump Station’s rising main, which is responsible for pumping wastewater to the Koeberg Pump Station.
Residents from the surrounding areas (Table View, Parklands and Blouberg Rise) said they were having trouble breathing, among other health issues.
“Our noses and eyes are burning from the toxic fumes. Headaches and coughing,” a Facebook post from one of the fuming residents reads.
“The noxious fumes are so severe tonight, it’s seeping in through our closed doors and windows. My child’s breathing is shallow and wheezy. Tonight he keeps waking up complaining about not being able to breathe. Broken pumps, broken generators, weir reinforcements, disrespect for nature and residents.
“As usual we are seeing very little urgency in addressing the crisis. Raw sewage contains not only effluent, but also chemicals that lead to serious health issues.
“Additionally, there’s the use of (potentially toxic) industrial odour remover to mask the sewage smell. Neighbours, please spread the word to increase awareness and drive positive change.”
Most residents have taken their concerns to social media, either complaining of health issues or asking the City to rectify the situation.
Update
The recent collapse of the Racecourse Pump Station’s rising main has resulted in overflows on Milnerton Drive.
Zahid Badroodien, Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, says trucks had been dispatched to suck and divert the sewage to Du Noon’s rising main.
“However, please note the rising main collapse has caused flooding in the dry well, submerging the pumps and motors, rendering them inoperable,” he says.
Last Thursday (1 February 2024 at 11:00), Badroodien provided an update and said emergency repairs were underway on the deteriorated coupling, which made the rising main at the Racecourse Pump Station unusable, with efforts focused on completing the work within the day.
“Our team are responding to overflowing manholes along Milnerton Drive,” he said, “which are a consequence of the unusable sewer rising main at the Racecourse Pump Station.
“While we are actively monitoring the overflows and implementing mitigating actions, including the use of vacuum tankers to reduce sump levels, it’s important to note that sewer flows remain high,” he said. “We appreciate your patience and understanding as our teams work tirelessly to resolve this issue as swiftly as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and assure you that every effort is being made to address the situation effectively.”
The City also says that during the festive period, the interventions at Koeberg Road Pump Station ensured that operations ran without incident for weeks, measuring low inflows with few pump failures. “Unfortunately, since 15 January the level of inflow has been exceptionally high, and risen back to peak levels as seen prior to the December holidays. Even with effective operation of all four pumps and the addition of the mobile Godwin pump, overflows persist due to the pressure on the system. This has resulted in more frequent pump failures being repaired and replaced consistently as incidents occur.
On 31 January, Badroodien said three pumps are operational and impellors have been installed to increase pump efficiencies.
Measures in place
ReThinkTheStink, an environmental Facebook group cut back at the City, saying major raw sewage spilled at the Koeberg Pump Station into the Diep River with none of the promised emergency measures in place to contain the spill .
“Four years after the directive City still appeared incapable of pumping sewage from one end of a pipe to the other end without spilling it!” says Caroline Marx. “ The devastation caused to the ecosystem, the stress and risks to health, the loss of business opportunities and job creation and the substantial loss of property value are immeasurable. Excuses and the lack of accountability flow as freely as the sewage.
On Monday, the City told TygerBurger the levels of effluent at the Koeberg Road Pump Station remain relatively low and three pumps are still running efficiently.
