This follows the intervention of councillor Shadrack Mkhonto who hired a plumber to fix the leaking sewer pipe. The problem has been simmering for years among 100 residents and their children residing in 34 shacks on stands 81 and 83, 19th Avenue, Alexandra. It emanates from an overburdened and malfunctioning toilet and water reticulation system which had been spewing kitchen refuse and effluent down pathways leading to shacks on lower ground.
“This problems started 30 years ago when I was 10 years old,” said one of the homeowners Refiloe Shai. “We used to enjoy playing in the open space but stopped when our parents got concerned that we could contract diseases from the spillage which has progressively worsened over the years.
“The stench is so unbearable particularly in the rainy season when more water runs down and at times seeps waste into many shacks and even well constructed houses. “Besides food particles and faeces, disused condoms, sanitary pads and all sorts of things can be seen floating down.”
Mkhonto said he was alerted to the problem by Lungelwa Mali, a principal of a nearby crèche. “I then met the residents who agreed to contribute R30 per household for the repairs,” said Mkhonto.
“They subsequently collected R1 500 to which I added R600 for plumbing services and materials. My intervention has averted a potential fight and health hazard to these residents and their children,” he said.
Besides this problem, Mkhonto said in 2012 he helped rebuild 18 shacks that burnt down on the same spot. He added, “While council’s responsibility falls outside residential spaces, there will always be problems of overcrowding and straining of public infrastructure like sewage and water systems.
“Also I urge public representatives to be more proactive in creating the public’s awareness about the need for maintaining public assets. For instance some residents take bins to their rural homes and use plastic bags for rubbish collection. This causes blocked toilets and breakage of our sewage systems,” Mkhonto said.
.
