With phase one of the Bruma Lake upgrade and renewal project almost complete and phase two set to commence, residents of the area in eastern Johannesburg have already noticed a big difference in the atmosphere.
The Jukskei River is redirected through the newly constructed channel into Bruma LakeThe Jukskei River is redirected through the newly constructed channel into Bruma Lake.Undertaken for the City by the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the R65-million Bruma Lake project will rejuvenate both the lake and the watercourse feeding it, allowing an easing of the flow of water, and ultimately create a new park after the planting of flood plains.
Phase one, involving draining the lake and drying the silt in its bed, started in June 2014. The Jukskei River was diverted from the centre of the lake to allow for construction of a new channel. A significant milestone was reached on 10 December, when the channel was completed and the bypass channel closed to allow the Jukskei to flow through the new channel.
Phase two of the 12-month project will involve extensive landscaping and is expected to be complete by the end of June 2015.
For many years now, the lake has suffered from pollution and a build-up of sludge caused by the overflow of detergent, sewage, litter and other debris from the Jukskei, causing a foul stench to hang over the neighbourhood.
Bruma resident Peter Kekana says the upgrade has already made a big difference to the atmosphere of the area.
“The upgrade of Bruma Lake was long overdue, because the lake was polluted and discharged a foul smell,” Kekana said. “We as residents were concerned about the health implications, and how the lake smell impacts local businesses and property values in the area.
“The muck in the lake was unsightly and the unbearable stench affected local businesses and residents. I know several residents that opted to move away because of it,” Kekana said.
The project is also expected improve the flow of water, while increasing the natural aeration and filtration of water by plants along the vegetated banks. Access for cleaning of debris will be improved, and ecological linkages between upstream and downstream areas restored.
The City of Joburg hopes the rehabilitated area will attract more business and residents.
Bruma is on the eastern edge of Johannesburg, near the border with neighbouring Ekurhuleni. The lake is in close proximity to the thriving Cyrildene China Town, as well as to Eastgate Mall, one of the city’s largest shopping centres with more than two-million visitors a month.