Page 6 - Intra Muros April Issue 2026

ESTATE NEWS

MANHOLES: KEEPING OUR ESTATE

CLEAN, SAFE AND FLOWING

he Silver Lakes Homeowners Extra nutrients from sewage help this So, what exactly is a manhole?
Association works closely with the weed to grow faster and spread more A manhole is a round, concrete opening in
TCity of Tshwane to respond quickly aggressively. the ground, covered with a lid, which gives
to sewage spills inside the estate. We are access to the sewage pipe below. Manholes
also busy with a major project to service During recent investigations, we discovered are usually spaced about 50 metres
and maintain sewage lines in order to that many municipal sewage manholes apart. When opened, our team can check
prevent blockages before they happen. have been covered over the years. Some whether sewage is flowing freely. If there
are hidden under paving, plants and is a blockage, it can be cleared using
Most sewage spills occur on private swimming pool pumps – and some have specialised rods.
properties. When this happens, it doesn’t even been built over completely.
only affect the homeowner; it can also If our teams arrive at your property and
impact neighbours, create unpleasant When manholes are blocked or inaccessible, request access to inspect a manhole, please
living conditions and pose serious health response teams cannot quickly reach don’t be alarmed – it is an essential step in
risks. sewage lines to clear blockages. This preventing bigger problems.
delays repairs and increases the risk of
Even more concerning is the fact that environmental damage and property loss. We encourage all homeowners to locate
sewage can flow into stormwater drains and any manholes on their properties and
eventually reach our dams and waterways, It’s also important to note that, according ensure they are visible and accessible.
harming our sensitive ecological areas. to City of Tshwane municipal bylaws, A little proactive action now can prevent a
covering or obstructing a manhole is not major crisis later – and help us protect both
Sewage in the dams also makes it harder allowed. Homeowners could face fines and your home and our beautiful estate.
to control the spread of hornwort (aquatic may also be required to remove paving or
weed), which we are currently removing. structures at their own cost. The Operations Team

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

HOA OFFICE EMERGENCY NUMBERS SECURITY
Office hours: Monday to Friday Security Control Room (24 hours) Security Control Room (24 hours) 012 809 0424/5
08:00 until 16:30 012 809 0424/5 Bidvest Protea Coin Security from 18:00 to 06:00 weekdays,
012 809 0142 24 hours Sat, Sun and public holidays 072 615 5862
info@silverlakes.co.za Boschkop Police 012 802 1087/4
Netcare 911 082 911 GOLF
Security access office: Fire Brigade 107 Pro Shop 012 809 0430
Hours as above Power Failure 012 339 9111
Including first Saturday of every City of Tshwane Call Centre 012 358 9999 CLUBHOUSE
month from 08:00 until 11:00 Clubhouse 012 809 0281
Water leaks: waterleaks@tshwane.gov.za Bakehouse 012 006 5942
Street lights: streetlights@tshwane.gov.za