Residents vow to step up protest
Danie van der Lith the street yesterday morning and vehicles were unable to pass.
Residents stated that while they had been peaceful, they would take their protest to the main roads if no action was taken to repair the leaks.
“We climb out of bed onto a floor that is flooded with water. All our furniture is disintegrating because of the damp and our appliances cannot operate as it short circuits the electricity. The stove also trips the lights and we cannot cook.”
Other community members added that they had to throw away bagfuls of clothes that had been damaged by the water.
“The leaks are worse in winter. This problem has been ongoing for several years and it has happened four times this month, where our homes have been flooded.”
A resident, Samantha Jood, said that the municipal manager had promised to supply the affected residents with sand and stones by yesterday afternoon and had advised them to submit a claim for damages from the municipality.
“This was just another empty promise. We would anyway just end up with wet sand and stones because this will not serve to fix the problem as the pipes are constantly bursting. Many elderly people are affected by the leaks.”
A grader was sent to repair the leak yesterday morning.
Sol Plaatje office manager George Mosimane said the cause of the blockages included foreign materials such a building rubble, mattresses, vehicle parts, engine oils, domestic fats and bicycle frames.
“On average the municipality services the area, including Seleke Street and neighbouring manholes and sewer chambers, twice a week.
“We wish to request all our residents to co-operate with the municipality by ensuring that no foreign substances are thrown into the system.”
He added that a preventative programme had been drawn up to attend to all hot spots in the city.
“The programme will be discussed at a utility committee meeting today.”