Illegal mining to blame, says CoE
The municipality said the blocked sewers caused by stones that were inserted into the manholes, allegedly by illegal miners.
The City of Ekurhuleni has blamed the sewer blockages in Snipe Street, Mackenzie Park North, on suspected illegal mining.
This comes after residents in the area accused the municipality of not taking their grievances seriously after raw sewage flowed into their yards, streets and community garden on the corner of Snipe Street and Quail Avenue.
The residents said they lodged several complaints with the metro but nothing was done, adding that the stench of raw sewage was unbearable and affecting their health.
Furthermore, they said the sewage was coming out of their drains and the exposed manholes on several streets.
The municipality confirmed it was aware of the issue but said it was recurring after it was resolved on June 21 and July 1.
“The blockage was caused by several stones that were inserted in the manhole, which we suspect were inserted by illegal miners,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Dlamini added that the manhole covers were removed by illegal miners who intentionally block the manholes to direct the flow of water into their mining activity.
A resident, who has been living in the area since 1992, said he is thinking of relocating because he was not getting any assistance from the municipality despite paying rates.
“It’s frustrating. Nothing has been done. Our drains are blocked. I and some residents think of leaving because we aren’t getting any assistance.”
He agreed that the zama zamas were to blame but said the CoE was using illegal mining as an excuse to hide its financial constraints.
“Our problems are the zama zamas, sewer and cable theft. But we were initially told by the city’s employees that came here that there’s no budget to fix our sewer lines,” he said.
While Dlamini urged the residents to report illegal mining activities in the area to the SAPS, this resident called for the deployment of the army.
“At night you hear gunshots and explosions. It’s out of control. The police arrest them today and tomorrow they are out.
“The police are scared of them. Those guys are rough. They carry AK47s while the police carry 9mm pistols and R5 rifles. What can they do against those guys? We need the army.”
Dlamini said if the persists, the residents should log a complaint via the My CoE app or call 011 999 7312/7282.
Also Read: SAPS target illegal mining hotspots
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