ESTCOURT KZN: Widespread vandalism causes sewage leaks

Vandalism of water and sewage infrastructure has resulted in blockages and pipe bursts that have been affecting some residents for months.

This is the word from uThukela District Municipality communications manager Jabulani Mkhonza, who was responding to questions from the Estcourt News about sewage leaks in Bank Road and Mimosa Crescent.

Recently the Estcourt News reported on a two-month-old sewage leak that has been flowing through the Bugwandeen’s property in Mimosa Crescent. The family said that the leak started on July 1 and they have made several calls to the district municipality to have it repaired.

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Their fear is not only the obvious health risk emanating from the foul-smelling effluent, but also revolves around the damage that is being caused to their property and the buildings on the property.

In Bank Road, a cesspit of sewage has been pooling for months on a piece of vacant land.

Mr Mkhonza says that a requisition to be assisted by an external service provider has been made to repair these two sewage leaks.

“There are about 14 manholes in total that were vandalised and filled with foreign objects in the form of rocks and stones, thus blocking sewage from flowing to the pump station. The work that needs to be done is therefore massive, hence we require the services of an external service provider,” he said.

Another water leak reported in Phillip Street has also been a cause for concern for staff and those who frequent the area.

A staff member from a business in the vicinity told the Estcourt News that the water leak has invaded parking spaces and has been left unattended for months.

Mr Mkhonza has resolved to request that a supervisor investigate the cause of the leak so that necessary corrective action can be taken.

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