What's behind Joburg's 'rotten eggs' smell?

Areas affected include Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Fourways, and Parktown

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE

RESIDENTS in Johannesburg have described inhaling a smell that resembles "rotten eggs," raising immediate concerns about the presence of potentially harmful pollutants in the air.

Areas affected by the odour include Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Fourways, and Parktown.

Now City of Joburg Mayor, Dada Morero, has expressed his full confidence in the Environmental and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), which has initiated investigations into the odour that has drawn a growing wave of complaints from affected communities.

The source of this unsettling smell first came to light on January 16. This alarming situation has shifted the focus of local authorities and environmental experts as they seek to understand and address the issue.

Speaking during a citywide service delivery and by-law enforcement operation in Newtown, Morero emphasised the capabilities of the EISD.

"I have faith in our environmental department. Fortunately, we have a very strong team. They have the right and qualified professionals, who will resolve this current issue, having done very well to address a similar concern in Kya Sands recently," he stated.