It’s a stinky situation – Westville overflowing manhole raises concerns for nature lovers

THE Keep Westville Beautiful Organisation has appealed to residents to use the correct channels when lodging a municipal complaint.

This comes after a foul-smelling sewage has been spilling out of a manhole in Link Road.

The issue was raised by a hiker who said they were disappointed about the sewage leak which is now making it unbearable to enjoy the eco trail.

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While walking along the trail, one can smell a strong stench of sewer emanating from the manhole. A few metres along the trail, the manhole surrounded by trees, can be seen overflowing into a stream.

Liesel Muhl from Keep Westville Beautiful said she suspected that the cause might be coming further up the road.

“This is not a new issue, it is months old. It does get fixed but I believe it keeps pushing this side,” said Muhl.

Muhl advised residents to email the eThekwini Municipality with the correct location and get a reference number so that the issue can be attended to and if not sorted, it could be easier to follow up if there is a reference number.

Westville Country Club manager, Lisa Nourse said all they appeal for is a permanent solution.

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“This is a consistent issue but when we do report it we always get a reaction from eThekwini Municipality and we are grateful but would love for this to be resolved permanently.

What concerns Nourse the most is that this manhole is depositing sewage into the stream. “It is a hazard for the animal species and the whole environment.

“The eco trails were started so that people could enjoy nature by walking along this lovely trail,” she added.

Muhl advised people to lodge their reports by emailing Eservices@durban.gov.za Residents can also email them with reference numbers for follow ups at info@keepwestvillebeautiful.org.za.

DA PR councillor, Caelee Laing said she was recently made aware of the sewer leak.

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“The manhole overflowing in the open space near Westville Old Boys and the eco trails was first mentioned to me last week and I forwarded this to the department.

On Tuesday, August 3, Laing met Muhl on site with the Waste Water area manager who is now dealing with this matter.

“Hopefully the matter should be resolved soon,” she said.

eThekwini Municipality did not respond by the time of publication.

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