In what has become almost a weekly occurrence, yet another on-going river of sewage has been brought to the attention of the Highvelder.
An irate reader recently called attention to the stream of sewage running along the N11 between the informal settlement and the Douglas Dam.
The problem was highlighted by the media about four years ago but the sewage continues to flow unabated and eventually lands up in the Douglas Dam.
A pool of green slimy sewage has formed on the southern side of the dam and is visible to motorists travelling along the N11 between Ermelo and Hendrina.
Regular sewage spills also occur in Mel Mentz Street, President Fouché Street, West Street and Mandela Drive to name a few.
Many residents believe that at the heart of the problem lies in the fact that, in most places, the infrastructure that was installed between 30 to 50 years ago and designed to carry a certain volume, has been overburdened by countless flatletts and town houses that have been erected on existing properties.
Many of these buildings and additions have apparently been erected without the knowledge of the relevant municipal department.
Unverified reports also suggest that buildings have been erected with the knowledge of some past and present officials who have either turned a blind eye to proceedings or have been inundated with requests for building plans to be approved. This seemingly leads to almost insurmountable backlogs and applicants simply carry on and erect the buildings in the knowledge that once built and occupied, demolition will be difficult to enforce.
“A complete upgrade of the existing infrastructure seems to be the only viable answer, but seems unlikely to ever happen in the near future, given the constant shortage of money and resources faced by the local municipality.
A request for comment has been sent to the municipality and a response is being awaited.
Previous enquiries made to the Msukaligwa municipality have not yielded any workable solutions other than pointing out that the public should refrain from flushing large objects such as disposable diapers, wads of newspaper and other large objects down toilets and drains..
In some horrific instances, even human foetuses have been found in drains and sewers.
.
