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Despite the City’s efforts, pollution in the Jukskei River Catchment Area, particularly in Edenvale and Eastleigh Spruit, continues unabated.

Numerous incidents of river contamination with harmful chemicals, including paint and raw sewage from upstream sources, have been reported, often occurring on weekends. This timing hinders environmental inspectors’ ability to trace and investigate the pollution effectively.

The ongoing water pollution crisis poses a significant health hazard to residents and devastates the river’s ecosystem, leading to a dramatic decline in aquatic life.

To address this urgent issue, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) must establish a dedicated multi-task team to monitor river pollution and enforce environmental compliance rigorously. Adequate funding should be provided for the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. Additionally, bioremediation efforts are crucial to decontaminate the Jukskei river.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will draft and submit a petition on behalf of residents to demand effective and permanent solutions to this crisis.

Under a DA-led government, we will ensure an increase in the number of enforcement officials responsible for waste management and the protection of our natural environment.

It is time for decisive action to restore the Jukskei River and safeguard the health of our communities and ecosystems.

Issued by Cllr Heather Hart - City of Ekurhuleni Ward 18 Councillor