RESIDENTS of La Lucia have voiced their frustration over a sewage leak which has been ongoing for almost three weeks. Four properties, two on Braemar Avenue and two on Doreen Crescent have been affected by the leak, which has in some cases, have not only flooded homes, but also contaminated ponds.
Candice Vandersteen, whose family runs a hotel on Braemar Avenue said this is the fourth time their property has been affected by a sewage leak.
City officials have identified the source of the leak which is a servitude running parallel to a local school. However, they have been unable to get specialist equipment to the site due to where the leak is situated.
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“The issue has been ongoing for three weeks and we found out when our neighbour reported it. The lower floor of his home had been flooded by sewage. The pond at our hotel has been contaminated and it runs next to our kitchen and serving area which is a nightmare.
“The City has to do something because this is just ridiculous and is a major health hazard. It’s bad for business and tourism. The worse part is that the water eventually runs off into the stormwater drain which then drains out on Glenashley Beach. There’s no way for the City to sift out the dirty water from the pond water so at the moment we are left to wait for it to naturally pass through,” she said.
Another resident, Andre Brand, who lives on Doreen Crescent said he too was affected.
“The water table in this part of the area is very low so this sewage is mixing with clean water and probably affecting boreholes that some residents have in their gardens. I understand it is difficult for the City to get to the area but we can’t sit for three weeks with this issue without finding a solution is frustrating. I have pets and a young child and I have to worry about them playing near the leak which is alongisde my property,” he said.
Video: WATCH: Flowing sewage contaminates uMngeni tributary
