6 days ago
Raw sewage forces cancellation of Riviera on Vaal parkrun
VEREENIGING – A sewage spill has forced the cancellation of the popular Riviera on Vaal parkrun, as raw effluent continues to pollute parts of the course and flow into the nearby Vaal River.
Organisers announced on social media that the event on May 17 would not go ahead due to 'sewage water flooding the course,' calling the situation unsafe and blaming 'inefficiency from the Emfuleni Municipality.'
Run director Linda Bosch said the problem has persisted for more than a month and originates from a sewer leak linked to a property in Golf Road.
Despite reports to the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Bosch claimed no action has been taken.
'This has really affected us. I feel like I want to run away,' she said.
The worst-hit section of the route is near the old bird park, but raw sewage also reaches the golf course close to the start.
Trenches have been dug to divert the sewage away from the course, but this has only worsened environmental concerns— channelling the effluent directly into the Vaal River.
Municipal spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed that the leak stemmed from flats on Golf Road, stating that the matter had not been officially reported through the municipality's channels.
He added that unknown individuals had forcibly opened an internal manhole, causing the overflow.
'Now that the municipality is officially aware, the necessary steps will be taken,' Sangweni said.
Meanwhile, Riviera on Vaal parkrun participants remain in limbo, and environmental concerns continue to mount as untreated sewage pollutes a key recreational and ecological area.
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