08-05-2025
Kisumu Park Playground hit by sewage spill again
For the second time in less than a month, a children's playground, Kisumu Park in Sunninghill, has been flooded with raw sewage, raising serious health concerns and frustrating residents.
According to Linda Gildenhuys, the chairperson of the Sunninghill Community Ratepayers Association (SCRA), the current incident follows a similar leak that occurred mid-April.
That initial leak took days to be addressed by Johannesburg Water (JW), leaving the children's play area in a mess from the sewage spill.
Also read: Water leak results in massive potholes as councillor demands repairs
'The last leak was reported on and fixed days later,' said Gildenhuys. 'However, the mess from the sewage was left in the park. We had to put danger tape up to stop the children running through it, and had to get protective clothing and masks for our gardening team to clean up the mess.'
The latest spill began around midday May 5, and, as of the time of reporting, is still flowing. According to Gildenhuys, the recurring nature of the problem points to a deeper issue with the aging infrastructure. 'This leak was reported on May 5, and JW came to fix the leak. However, the relief was short-lived. No sooner had they done so, around 10 minutes later, it started leaking again.
'It really should not be difficult to sort out, other than replacing old infrastructure. There are a number of these sewage potholes, and when they clear the first one, they should move down the line and clear the others. They don't. So, time after time, the same thing happens.
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'It's a waste of resources for starters. They come out, and then have to come out again and again for the same problem.'
The primary concern for residents remains the significant health hazard posed by the sewage, particularly in a children's park. 'The presence of raw sewage in an area frequented by young children creates a high risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and pathogens.'
Read more: WATCH: Diepsloot residents march for relief from overflowing toilets and blocked sewerage pipes
The Fourways Review reached out to JW spokesperson Nolwazi Dhlamini for comment on May 6, and followed up on May 8. No comment was received. More information will be provided once it becomes available.
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