Sewage leaves unbearable stench in Silwerkroon pensioner’s flat
Silwerkroon senior Marcelle van Aswegen is at her wits’ end about an unbearable stench that has flooded her flat and compromised her health.
Marcelle van Aswegen had to sleep with her door and windows wide open for at least two weeks and eventually had no choice but to move out of her flat because of a blocked sewer.
The blockage resulted in sewage spilling out of her toilet in her ground-floor flat on July 5.
The 63-year-old, who has health conditions, has since been offered another temporary flat by Marge van Eck, who oversees the residence.
According to van Eck, initially, the senior’s toilet was blocked and water started coming out from her toilet and eventually from the bath.
“One gentleman said to us the entire floor needed to be lifted because the pipes are not big enough to take in all the human excrement. I’ve contacted the health department. They sent a team of plumbers who after seeing this said they could only deal with blockages from outside,” she said.
A few other residents reiterated that the smell is unbearable and makes it hard for them to have their meals, and that it’s a health hazard.
In the early stages of the blockage, van Aswegen would use her broom to sweep out water from her overflowing toilet but the problem persisted.
“My cupboards, which I’ve had for less than a year, are all damaged from this, and I’m certain the tiles will be damaged after this. Since I’ve temporally moved upstairs, I have to come to my flat now and again to collect whatever I need. I just want this mess to be cleared,” she said.
After her intervention, Ward 106 councillor alderman Bruna Haipel said she was disappointed by the municipality’s approach on this matter.
“I just don’t understand why there is such a lack of empathy from the coalition-led municipality towards pensioners. Despite many messages to all departments, such as human settlements, real estate, housing, health and even the mayor, nothing has been done to unblock the sewer,” she said.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini assured that the Department of Human Settlements will deal with the complaint as soon as contractors are appointed.
“The delay to address the problem arose due to the necessary internal supply chain management processes to appoint a service provider. The procurement process is unfolding and as soon as it is completed, the problem will be fixed. The City will revert to the complainant as soon as the matter has been resolved,” he said.
