A repugnant flow of filth
ASEWER blockage is arguably every home owner’s worst nightmare and it needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
But residents in Clairwood, living near Sirdar Road, are not having much joy in getting required repairs done.
For about two months, raw sewage has often streamed down the road after a main sewer pipe blocked. According to local residents this is due to “illegal piping”, associated with an informal settlement, causing constant blockage to the main sewer pipes.
Rajen Moodley, of Sirdar Road, said sewage had flooded the cistern of her toilet.
“The smell is unbearable. I wish I could leave my home and live somewhere else for good.
“The municipal officials came to clean the streets but my house is disgusting. I can not even eat inside there,” said Moodley.
Ravin Bridgelal, Clairwood Ratepayers’ Association spokesperson said some residents had to walk over the sewage to get out of their homes.
Bridgelal said the problem was due to the fact the city’s sewer system in the area did not have the capacity to cope with the increased population it served.
“The population has multiplied in this area but the sewer capacity remains small and it cannot cater for all residents. We have made a proposal to the city to look into a long-term solution because it will keep on blocking,” said Bridgelal.
But ANC ward councillor Mpumelelo Zuma said residents had the responsibility to look after the sewer fractures. He said the Clairwood area was challenged by illegal dumping that contributed to constant sewer blockages.
“I have been liaising with all residents to report to the relevant department and also encouraged them to look after the infrastructure. I am aware that this has been an ongoing issue. The officials find blankets, clothes and metal items in the pipes. This shows negligence and it affects many people,” said Zuma.
DA PR councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker said the water and sanitation unit had failed in finding a long-term solution to stop the inhumane and unhygienic situation.
“The issue has been reported through numerous e-mails and correspondence to the water and sanitation unit and, most recently, to the head of the unit, Ednick Msweli, who is yet to respond.”
Businesses in the area have also been severely affected and residents are at risk of exposure to contamination, pollution and all kinds of diseases because of this overflow.
City spokesperson Mandla Nsele said the matter had been escalated to the relevant city units for attention.