The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has been investigating a foul stench emanating from a golf club, during irrigating of its lawns, after numerous complaints from residents.
Residents aired their frustration on Facebook.
Sharon Ferguson wrote: “Anybody else had enough of the terrible sewerage smell at around 6.30pm every night when the Golf Course is watering the greens?
“They are using effluent treated water but somehow, I think it’s not been ‘cleaned’ enough!
“Shuh, the smell is really foul for those of us who live directly opposite in Service Road! Not very healthy.”
Ferguson added that she will be writing to the health department to investigate.
“I’m going to visit the local community office opposite to the chemist and see if I can get someone from the health department to investigate. Unacceptable that we are subjected to this dreadful stench”
Anne van Rensburg wrote that it was unacceptable.
“I’ve driven past and often wondered what that truly ghastly smell is. It’s really not acceptable.”
Another resident Ethel Williams wrote: “The smell is so horrific it makes my eyes water and makes my poor little dog Cocoa Puff want to jump out of my wheelchair! Absolutely horrendous!”
Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, said the City has been supplying the Westlake and Steenberg golf courses with treated effluent, from the Cape Flats Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) which is used for irrigation purposes, for over 30 years.
“The effluent is treated at the WWTW before it is conveyed to the golf courses.”
He added that they have found a possible cause related to the stagnation of water and will be implementing possible solutions.
On Friday 21 January, the City installed a pump to circulate the water, in order to chlorinate the water.
“A temporary bucket dosing system has been installed while the department is trying to source a formal chlorine chip installation via the term tender.
“These interventions also aim to help dissipate the emanating smell. Residents are assured every effort is being made to address this matter and this situation is being monitored closely,” said Badroodien.
He added that officials have been engaging with management at the golf courses regarding this matter and will continue to do so until this issue has been resolved.
“Water samples have also been taken. The City’s Scientific Services test results show the treated effluent water quality meets the required standards.”
The City’s Environmental Health Service says it has not received any further complaints with regards to this issue, but will continue to monitor the situation.
