Sewage lays waste to the shacks of Silvertown
Shelters erected on top of lines
SILVERTOWN residents woke up to the stench of sewage flowing into their shacks two weeks ago.
Resident Vuyokazi Moni said she woke up and moved the bed to try and find the origin. The sewage was overflowing from a drain inside the shack and she moved her belongings outside.
“I called my neighbours and they started helping me. The shack had to be demolished because there was no way that I could stay there any more."
The incident left her destitute and without materials to build a new shack.
The ward 25 residents said Lukhanji Municipality should have informed them before they built their shacks that there were sewerage drains and pipes in the area.
Moni, who has been living in Silver Town since 2010, said it was the first overflow of which she had knowledge.
“I have a small baby and this is not healthy. Now we have been told to move the shacks a bit backwards and my question is what if there are other sewerage drains? How can we have sewerage drains and pipes while we do not even have flush toilets here?” asked Moni.
Nozuko Smile, whose shack was also affected, claimed ward committee member Mandla Godwana had told them not to call the media. "They do not want this to be known. The only time they care about us is when they want us to vote for them. There is no service delivery here. I am sick and having treatment and have an 11-year-old boy. This is not good for our health."
Godwana declined to comment.
Chris Hani District Mu- nicipality spokesman Thobeka Mqamelo said the problem in Silvertown had been a blockage in the Mlungisi main line which was reported to the municipality that day. Repairs began the same day and were finalised shortly thereafter. “This blockage was caused by shelters erected on top of the lines and this caused a burst. Communities are urged to be mindful and respect water and sanitation infrastructure as damage is usually costly and affects the whole community."