Latest news with #RivieraonVaal
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- The Citizen
Sewage leak cancels Riviera on Vaal parkrun — again
VEREENIGING – After weeks of cancellations due to sewage spills, the Riviera on Vaal parkrun briefly resumed on June 28. However, organisers have now been forced to cancel the event again as raw sewage has returned to the course. 'It is with great sadness and frustration that we once again have to cancel the Riviera on Vaal parkrun on July 5, due to sewage spills on the course. Please note that the relevant authorities have been notified of the situation. We apologise profoundly,' the organisers announced on their Facebook page. Parkrun director Linda Bosch explained the source of the current leak. 'The sewage leak is back, and it is emanating from a double-storey house in Golf Road. It is leaking again. We phoned Metsi-a-Lekoa, Emfuleni Local Municipality's water and sanitation department, yesterday. At our start area, the sewage water has piled up again. We need immediate action,' Bosch said. The repeated cancellations highlight ongoing challenges with sewage management in the area, affecting the safety and enjoyment of the popular community event. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Riviera on Vaal parkrun set to reopen after sewage woes
VEREENIGING – After nearly two months of closure due to raw sewage flooding parts of its route, the Riviera on Vaal parkrun is finally making a comeback. Earlier this week, organisers announced on Facebook: 'Dear parkrunners, we are SUPER excited to announce that the Riviera on Vaal parkrun will be open on Saturday, 28 June!! See you at 08:00, for a long overdue parkrun reunion!!' The weekly Saturday event, a favourite among local runners and walkers, was first suspended in May when sewage spills made sections of the trail unsafe. Despite some improvement noted in June, organisers had opted to keep the event on hold to ensure participants' safety, with raw sewage still visible along parts of the footpath as recently as last week. In a statement posted earlier this month, the team said: 'Even though the situation of the sewage water on our route is looking much better, it is still not safe to open the parkrun. We really hope to return with better news next week.' Their latest update signals that conditions have finally improved enough for a safe return. Parkrunners are urged to check the event's Facebook page for any last-minute updates and to arrive early for the 08:00 start. The Riviera on Vaal parkrun is held weekly at the Riviera on Vaal Hotel grounds and typically attracts a lively crowd eager for fitness, fresh air and community spirit. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Raw sewage forces cancellation of Riviera on Vaal parkrun
VEREENIGING – A sewage spill has forced the cancellation of the popular Riviera on Vaal parkrun, as raw effluent continues to pollute parts of the course and flow into the nearby Vaal River. Organisers announced on social media that the event on May 17 would not go ahead due to 'sewage water flooding the course,' calling the situation unsafe and blaming 'inefficiency from the Emfuleni Municipality.' Run director Linda Bosch said the problem has persisted for more than a month and originates from a sewer leak linked to a property in Golf Road. Despite reports to the Emfuleni Local Municipality, Bosch claimed no action has been taken. 'This has really affected us. I feel like I want to run away,' she said. The worst-hit section of the route is near the old bird park, but raw sewage also reaches the golf course close to the start. Trenches have been dug to divert the sewage away from the course, but this has only worsened environmental concerns— channelling the effluent directly into the Vaal River. Municipal spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed that the leak stemmed from flats on Golf Road, stating that the matter had not been officially reported through the municipality's channels. He added that unknown individuals had forcibly opened an internal manhole, causing the overflow. 'Now that the municipality is officially aware, the necessary steps will be taken,' Sangweni said. Meanwhile, Riviera on Vaal parkrun participants remain in limbo, and environmental concerns continue to mount as untreated sewage pollutes a key recreational and ecological area. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
