Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 2013-09-10

A horrible stench is plaguing the suburbs of Lenasia, south of Johannesburg. The big stink has wafted throughout the suburb with reports indicating that the stench has affected areas as far as Extension 13, the Trade Route Mall area, Tembehlihle informal settlement and Klipspruit.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Councillor Zarina Motala said that she is aware of the stench and is investigating what the cause might be and where it’s possibly emanating from.

Motala said she has contacted Joburg Waters Ebrahim Hajee to verify if there was a possible leak or rupture of the sewer pipes and to investigate the possible contamination of the Klipspruit stream.

Hajee confirmed that no leaks have been reported.

Motala has also requested that Sipho Vilikazi the regional general manager from Pikitup investigate if the stench is emanating from a landfill site located between Eldorado Park and Klipspruit as this might be the possible cause of the stink.

“I am also getting other calls from community people and the likes that saying it’s coming closer to the Zuurbekom area and its alleged that it could be manure or pitmos in that area,” said Motala.

Motala told Radio Islam that she would provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation of the stench.

“I can safely say that, that will be investigated by tomorrow morning and by tomorrow we’ll have an idea from where the smell is coming from and we’ll take the necessary steps to make sure everything is done… to get rid of that very bad smell,” added Motala.

Meanwhile residents in Lenasia took to social media to raise their concerns.

Yusuf Dadabhay wrote:  “@radioislam @ejaz_k @Faizie143 I drove through this stench on Sunday coming on the N12 back to jhb. Terrible! Informal settlements perhaps?”

Zarina Suliman wrote: “@radioislam fordsburg non the better the smell is disgusting. And definate from the drains u can see the green water. All slime yag.”

While Zeenat Ebr Abramjee said  “@radioislam its worst close to the military base. Its so bad now coming into our homes.”