VRYHEID KZN: Illegal connections into storm-water system to blame for overflowing manholes

Two families in Afrikaner and Boeren Street respectively are subject to constant filth when it rains. Both these properties overflow with sewer water, which causes great damage and great inconvenience for these families. They are unable to use their bathrooms or kitchen sinks, since the stinky sewer water pushes up into the pipes. The matter was reported to the municipality several times, as well as to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs in Ulundi. The department sent out some of their technicians to assess the situation. They have indicated that they will address the issue with the municipality. Last week, the Vryheid Herald requested a response from the municipality regarding this issue and they responded as follows:

This is a historical problem that we are faced with. People in these houses have connected their rainwater into our sewer system. The municipal system does not have the capacity to facilitate the additional flow. Therefore, whenever it rains, we are faced with the challenge of the overflowing of the sewer system. The solution is for the residents to divert their connections into our storm-water system, to avoid this in the future. We will be engaging them on the matter and will give them a certain period of time to have this problem fixed. Should they fail to do so, we will then start issuing fines, as this is not a municipal problem but a problem caused by the residents themselves. Diversion has to be applied for and approved by the municipality through the Planning Department. We will be doing an oversight investigation together with the Development Planning Department.

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