A recent oversight inspection at the Jukskei River in Alexandra has revealed that the river is contaminated with high levels of e-Coli, raw sewerage is spilling into the river from poorly maintained infrastructure, and the river is at risk of flooding during the rainy seasons. This is putting the health and safety of residents living close to the Jukskei River at risk.
Gauteng is heading into its rainy season, and the Jukskei River is at high risk of having its banks burst and flooding the homes in close proximity to the river.
The lack of infrastructure maintenance around the Jukskei River are among the many examples of how the Gauteng Department of Environmental Affairs (GDEA) has failed the residents of this province. Regular maintenance of our waterways is critical to promoting the growth of natural fauna, flora, and species that are indigenous to the province. When this is not done, the natural ecosystem in and around the waterways is compromised.
See photos here, here, here and here.
This poses a significant health threat, as the river’s high bacteria levels could lead to severe illness for residents affected by the flooding.
Regular maintenance of our waterways is critical to promoting the growth of natural fauna, flora, and species that are indigenous to the province. When this is not done, the natural ecosystem in and around the waterways is compromised.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the MEC for Environmental Affairs, Shyla Peters, immediately put measures in place to rehabilitate the infrastructure in the area, install gabion walls, and improve and maintain the sewerage management system.
A DA Gauteng provincial-led government would immediately assess the current situation at the Jukskei River to determine what needs to be done to prevent the river from flooding and implement measures to reduce the E. coli levels in the river.