Sewage making life unbearable
RESIDENTS of some streets in Samora Machel near Philippi are up in arms over raw sewage spilling into their homes.
Resident, Nokuphumla Wolayi, said the situation had been the same for about three weeks, and she feared for her children’s health.
“It is so bad that the smell causes headaches and stomach pains, and makes it difficult to eat,” she said.
“To walk around the yard is impossible because there is sewage water all over. We live like pigs,” Wolayi said.
She explained it has been a continuing problem no matter how much the municipality cleaned up.
The streets affected included Ashley Kriel, Siphiwo Mtimkhulu, Lilian Ngoyi, Anton Fransch and Trustfeed.
Another concerned resident, Madondile Xozwa, 48, ordered his seven children children to stay indoors because their yard remains filled with raw sewerage.
He feared that if the children played outdoors, they would be exposed to possible diseases.
“The problem is with the pipes underground because the drains are blocking now and again,” said Xozwa, adding that the streets were no-go areas for cars because there was human waste everywhere. “It is disgusting,” he said. Community leader Mlisela Magadla said residents arrived at his house earlier this week demanding that he do something.
“The subcouncil is aware, but it is doing nothing. Numerous calls to the City’s emergency lines are not helping because a caller is sent from one official to the other, and no one seems to understand the urgency of this matter,” he said.
Magadla further said the underground sewerage pipes had reached the end of their lifespan and were in need of upgrading.
“The population in this almost 20- year- old location has grown and the pipes just cannot handle the pressure anymore.”
City mayoral committee member for utility services, Ernest Sonnenberg, attributed the issue to inappropriate objects being dumped into the sewerage system.
He said the area “experiences a high number of sewer blockages due to misuse by residents”.
“The City urges residents to keep the sewerage system free of items such as cooking fats, rags and other objects that may cause the system to become blocked.
“Initial inspection revealed no structural problems with the sewerage infrastructure in the area. However, further investigations will take place.
This will help to determine whether any rehabilitation work is necessary,” said Sonnenberg.