Sewer crisis in Steadville
The community says that some of these sewer leaks have been around for decades, without being fixed
Slow service delivery has become the norm in the community of Steadville, particularly in Tsakane. For over a decade, residents of Tsakane have been struggling with sewer problems.
Councillor Nathi Sithole from Ward 9 reported multiple sewage leaks in different wards. These areas are Shayamoya phase 2, Area C and Area D, but these are not the only areas with sewage problems in Tsakane.
He stated that he had tried to get in contact with people from the municipality multiple times, with no luck.
Due to the failure of the municipality, Sithole and other members of the community have taken the initiative to remedy this problem themselves.
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A resident whose house is being damaged by water from a burst sewer pipe in a neighbour’s property expressed his frustration at the municipality and the Ward 10 councillor, who has failed to attend to the problems of the community. “The councillor for this ward resides in a different area and it is very difficult to get hold of him. He does not understand the problems this community faces.”
Mandla, a resident of Area C, said he had to find a solution to prevent water from entering their houses. He further stated that they fear for their health, as they could be infected by deadly diseases such as TB due to the unhygienic water they are exposed to on a daily basis.
Another resident said, “The municipality only provides temporary solutions. Sometimes they do arrive to look at these problems, but they do nothing about them.”
Toilets in some households are not functioning due to the above-mentioned sewer woes. This has made life very difficult for community members, as they are subjected to inhumane living conditions.
Residents lament that they have lost hope in the municipality, as the ‘powers that be’ have failed to fix sewer pipes and they have resorted to fixing these problems themselves to improve their living conditions. However, this is not easy, as they don’t have the necessary equipment and knowledge to carry out the repairs.
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