There is a terrible stench and eyesore at the corner of Lyell and King Street, as sewage overflows from an open, blocked manhole.
Pedestrians are forced to watch their step for fear of treading in the stinky water or even stepping into the manhole itself.
It is believed that this problem has been ongoing for weeks now.
One resident commented that manholes are a hazard to pedestrians and young children alike, with the latter being too curious for their own good and playing too close to the “gaping danger”.
This he said applies to pets as well, that could easily fall in and injure themselves. Compounding the problem is that many people see the holes as perfect to dump their refuse in, leading to an unpleasant sight and smell.
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“This is a very bad reflection on our town, as our municipalities are supposed to keep our town clean and tidy at all times. As ratepayers, we have every right to complain,” said another concerned resident.
uThukela commented that they are aware of the sewer spillage at the corner of Lyell and King Street. They say this problem has occurred in the past and workers attended to it. However, of late, there has been a spate of manhole covers being stolen by vandals.
This, in turn, has caused foreign objects to make their way into the system and clog the sewer lines. uThukela added that their plumbers previously unblocked the sewer lines and things were back to normal. The manhole cover that was stolen has since been replaced.
“It might happen that the problem is more complex than we initially assumed, but our plumbers have once again been sent out to determine the extent of the blockage and then try to unblock the lines as quick as they can,” concluded uThukela.
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