Proposal to stop Malacca sewerage leaks
A local resident has set-up the Amaphupho Yezingani(Dreams of Children) Seed Fund, an NGO that seeks to help disadvantaged children.
FOR months residents of Malacca Road Informal Settlement have complained about a severe sewage blockage at the settlement’s recently installed Communal Ablution Blocks or CABs (sanitation chambers). The sanitation chambers, as well as the showers all feed into one pipe which flows into an underground septic tank. The waste water has to be vacuumed out by the City on a weekly basis. However, when it has not been done, the septic tank overflows leading to raw sewerage running through the settlement.
Now a local resident, Arianne Hayes-Hill and local pastor from His Life Vineyard in Durban North is trying to make a difference by trying to create a soak pit separating grey water and waster water.
Hayes-Hill has set-up the Amaphupho Yezingani(Dreams of Children) Seed Fund, an NGO that seeks to equip the next generation with life skills, tools, ability and mindset to shift from a life of poverty, sickness, crime, drugs and alcoholism to a life of purpose.
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The Margaret Maytom resident said one of the intervention strategies the organisation is focusing is hygiene and the environment.
“Every time the storage area overflows the residents are adversely affected. They have to wait for the City to vacuum the waste and grey water out on a bi-weekly or even weekly basis. However, often, that does not happen and instead the children walk through the settlement with the stagnant water around them. It’s a serious health hazard. I’ve spoken to a plumber at the settlement and he has suggested a way to separate grey water and waste water. The residents can’t rely on council to do it. The plumber suggested making a soak pit which is where the grey water (will be directed).
“He drew up a plan on how we can include the community in solving their issue. Eradicating this problem will be one step to stopping a major health hazard. The residents are going to be spearheading the project and five guys in each of the settlement areas will be employed for this project. We need to cover the labour cost and the materials required for the project. If people are willing to help out I urge them to get in contact with me or visit our Facebook page, The Seed Fund,” she said.
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- If residents are willing to help the project which is set to get underway in September, contact Arianne on 083 440 3126 or email ariannehh@mitsol.co.za.
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