Sanitation

Overview

In Makers Valley, both households and businesses are typically connected to a combined sewer, which also handles street water run-off. However, sanitation issues arise during wastewater conveyance to treatment facilities due to ageing infrastructure and inadequate maintenance. This leads to pipe breakages and contamination of the Jukskei River and its surroundings. Storms exacerbate these problems by overwhelming the system with stormwater, further polluting the river. These factors contribute to the Jukskei’s contamination and odour, posing health risks to residents.

A mural painted on a wall in a garden that reads 'Love Our City Klean,' with a large tree and a corrugated metal roof visible in the background. The garden has a small patch of grass and dirt in front of the wall
A collection of discarded plastic bottles, some with labels still visible, filling a large container. The bottles vary in size and color, suggesting they are being prepared for recycling.

Current situation

Dealing with the sewer system discharge into the Jukskei River is a key part of minimising health risks; cholera-causing bacteria are occasionally detected in the river and have caused local outbreaks. In 2023, there were two cholera outbreaks in the Gauteng province, resulting in 29 fatalities. Cholera, a bacterial illness transmitted primarily through contaminated water, manifests in severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Cholera incidents are linked not only to regional sanitation issues but also to climatic variables such as floods that have recently impacted parts of southern Africa.

The Driefontein Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) is among the six wastewater treatment facilities tasked with purifying water for potable use for residents of the City of Johannesburg. While Driefontein achieves a 97% compliance rate according to internal standards, others managed by Johannesburg Water fall short. Ennerdale and Olifantsfontein meet standards in two out of three categories, Bushkoppies and Northern Works in one, and Goudkoppies, serving the city centre, has 59% compliance with standards. Reasons cited for these issues include vandalism, theft of infrastructure, lack of investment, and manipulation of procurement systems.

Most households in Makers Valley have a seated toilet with a flush. Often, multiple households living in the same dwelling will utilise a single toilet to serve 15 to 20 people. Some households that have had their water connection cut off have experienced sewage blockages due to lack of water for flushing. Residents living in illegally occupied buildings that have no running water or toilets use buckets, which are emptied onto the streets, leading to sewage ending up in the Jukskei River. Menstrual hygiene is usually managed by flushing items down the toilet or putting waste in bags to throw out with the general waste.

While there are public toilets within Makers Valley, they are generally locked for use, due to reasons such as maintenance cost, vandalism, and to prevent homeless people sleeping in them. A lack of public toilets restricts people, particularly women, from travelling into town for long periods of time. Limited peepods (free-standing public urinals) for men are available in Makers Valley, but public urination, despite it being a crime, still exists. Urination on trees, grassed areas, electricity boxes, and walls leads to unpleasant odours and sights around Makers Valley. Many businesses in Makers Valley also do not have toilet provisions, which poses further barriers.

Stormwater in Makers Valley is managed through an existing stormwater network, with water travelling into the drainage system by passing through openings under the road kerbs (curbs). However, the system breaches its capacity during intense storms, which have increased in intensity and frequency in recent years. When the system breaches, it causes flooding in homes and businesses, particularly in low-lying parts of Makers Valley. Businesses in Victoria Yards use sandbags to protect themselves from the floodwater. The Jukskei River starts under the Ellis Park Stadium, at the western end of Makers Valley. Illegal dumping of waste into the river is an issue. Tonnes of waste such as plastic, metal, rubber, and raw sewage flow down the river annually. This waste contributes to the contamination and unsightliness while also increasing the likelihood of flooding during a storm, taking contaminated water into people’s homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

RELEVANT CASE STUDIES 

Take a look at the following case studies for more information and ideas. As you explore this area and the perspectives from the case studies, consider how sanitation interconnects with other challenges identified by the community.

Projects

28 Innovative Sanitation

In Makers Valley, the lack of access to piped running water and toilets forces some residents to rely on bucket sanitation systems, which can pose health risks and create hygiene challenges. What alternative sanitation facilities can be proposed that are safe, sustainable, and easily accessible for the community? How can these solutions effectively address the sanitation needs of residents while promoting public health and dignity?

29 Waste Management

The disposal and treatment of human waste in Makers Valley pose significant health risks to residents and adversely affect the local environment. In this context, what solutions can be proposed to improve the management of human waste? How can these solutions ensure safety, sustainability, and a positive impact on both public health and the environment?

30 Tackling Flooding

Flooding in Makers Valley is worsened by intense storms and the area's geographical features, with ageing infrastructure further complicating the situation by displacing waste and sewage during flood events. In this context, what solutions can be proposed to mitigate the risk of flooding or reduce the impact of surface water during these occurrences? How can these strategies enhance the community's resilience against flooding while improving overall infrastructure?