It took neighbours Debbi-lee Roux and Martie du Toit more than two hours to clear out the sewage that flooded their units in a complex in the Randfontein CBD on Tuesday, 2 July.
Almost a week later, their residences still reek. Most parts of the paving outside are also still covered in dried sewage markings.
Debbi-lee, who was at home that day, said she was surprised when she noticed an overwhelming smell coming from somewhere outside. Upon investigating, she found her front yard flooded with grey running water and immediately called Martie, whose drain was overflowing.
The pressure of the sewage was so strong that the lid of the drain was blown off and all sorts of rubbish was everywhere,”Debbi-lee said.
The two women then changed into appropriate gear and began sweeping out the water. They cleaned up from 4:30pm to 7pm.
“I phoned my work and told them I could not come back, I told them that unless I did something, the water would run into my house,” Debbi-lee said.
She added that she could not believe what they saw while cleaning. She said they came across used condoms and even sanitary pads, adding that it was quite disgusting.
“We phoned the municipality and the DA for help, but no one came. The entire week we were exposed to to sewage. To take away the smell, we had to use all sorts of chemicals,” Debbi-lee said.
Debbi-lee added that the problem may be the result of a blockage and that all the things that were blocking the pipe are still lying around in her yard.
She went on to say that the situation poses a serious health to all those in the complex, including the children.
