Calf falls to its death in a main supply sewer line

GEORGE NEWS - George municipality’s attention was once again focused on vandalism and illegal dumping when a calf fell to its death in a main supply sewer line. This was due to cast iron covers and frames that were stolen on the line.

The line where the calf fell in is the 900mm gravity sewer main line that flows down from the bigger CBD area.

This sewer line runs straight to the Gwaing Wastewater Treatment Plant.

There are 25 manholes on this line. The entry point was at the back of the Pacaltsdorp Industrial / Groeneweide Park area. The calf fell from the top and landed in the 900mm gravity line.

Jannie Koegelenberg, Director: Civil Engineering, said “our construction team is busy replacing these stolen cast iron covers with polymer covers. The calf was noticed on 29 January 2023 at the Gwaing WWTW Inlet works. It came through the Main Sewer line and entered the Gwaing WWTW and with the amount of water and pressure we were fortunate that there were no blockages experienced.”

Koegelenberg said vandalism and theft of drain covers cause blockages and pollution, a great danger to humans and animals.

Unfortunately, it happens regularly that cast iron covers and frames get stolen, which is why the George Municipality is replacing them with polymer covers and lids.

Koegelenberg said that as long as there is a market for the items, people will keep stealing these cast iron covers and frames. “However, we appeal to the public to help stop vandalism and theft and phone our authorities below if they see anyone contravening the law,” he added.

Help stop vandalism

Vandalism is a crime and ultimately costs the ratepayers money.

Please report people tampering, painting, breaking or stealing municipal property with the SAPS and George Municipality Law Enforcement (044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening.

If you can take pictures of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself, it will help a lot. Thank you in advance for helping us protect our infrastructure.

Illegal dumping

Overflowing stormwater drains are generally found to be blocked by illegal materials and rubbish dumped directly into the drain causing damage and flooding down the line.

Please help reduce blocked drains and how to report illegal dumping:

One of the main reasons for blocked drains and sewerage spills is the wrong stuff being flushed down toilets or thrown into manholes. Items that should not be flushed down toilets include baby nappies, sanitary pads and tampons, newspaper, cloth and fabric, fatty food or fat. Regular items that municipal staff have to clear from manholes include branches, tyres, rocks, mattresses and other solid items which are suspected to be dropped in there by mainly children getting up to mischief.

The municipality appeals to communities to NOT flush unsuitable items down the toilet and to help prevent people from throwing stuff down manholes. Report sewerage complaints to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.

Please spread the news in your community that the dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on your area's waste removal days.

Builders’ rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).

If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za.

You don’t need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.

If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.

Black bags full of grass were dumped in Thembalethu at the Allbrick Informal Settlement, which is a 250mm sewer line.