Sewer mess poses hazard at work
STAFF at the Boiler and Industrial Plant in Glen Anil are concerned about a health hazard posed by an overflow of sewage that has affected operations since May.
They say they have to endure unhygienic work conditions every day. Plant manager Duncan Miller said the smell wafting into their offices was unbearable – they had to keep the windows closed.
“Our toilets from the workshop and offices have not flushed properly since this problem started, leading to more hygiene issues.
“We have laid numerous complaints but nothing has been done other than unclogging.
“When we call, we’re normally put on hold for over five minutes before someone answers,” he said.
Miller said the company had spent more than R5 000 calling out plumbers at least once a week for the past month.
He had five reference numbers provided by the city for each time he complained.
Miller claimed that when the city’s official arrived on-site, he said he would report to supervisors as the problem of the communications cable installed in the sewer line needed to be rectified.
“The water and sanitation manager said the blockage would persist until the cable was removed.”
He feared a risk of diseases due to the waste flowing into the yard.
He said the situation had affected the company’s functioning. “We have waited a long time. It seems there was an overflow from the manhole soon after the officials visited.
“Since then, it has started blocking and caused a flowback onto our premises,” said Miller.
ethekwini Municipality spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa said the blockage would be investigated. “The city maintains more than 7 500km of sewers, 280 sewage pump stations and 27 wastewater treatment facilities.
“The public’s blatant disregard for the environment and littering appear to be the main causes of malfunctioning of sewers.
“Residents need to be champions of change and stop littering,” said Mthethwa.