Durban Council failed to fix overflowing sewer main
I HOPE my e-mail finds you all well and having had a good start to the year.
I’m contacting you after seeing your article about the disgusting smell in several areas, as I too have had a problem with Durban Council.
In July 2015, I reported a problem with sewage overflowing into my property due to a blockage in the Durban Council’s main line.
After about three months, they eventually sent a contractor to resolve the problem.
They dug down almost 3m deep bordering on my boundary and my neighbour’s boundary to resolve the problem.
Prior to that, numerous council employees had come to my premises and attempted to flush the main sewer line.
They relaid a portion of the sewer main and it seemed to work.
In early December 2015, during a storm, the problem started again – this time worse than before.
The Durban Council sent another contractor on December 16 who, after taking a look, said it was our problem.
After persuading one of the contractors to look more throughly, he determined that it was Durban Council’s problem with the main line.
He also tried to flush the main line, but without success.
He reported back to the council and I have since sent several e-mails to Ednick Msweli (head of Water & Waste), called his office several times and spoken to his secretary, Sanele, and Lele, secretary to Sibusiso Vilane (head of sanitation), as well as to Carron Dove of the Mayor’s Office – all without any success.
I have raw sewage running down my driveway, especially during storms, which is smelly and a health hazard. ARNOLD JOHNSTON
Durban