Residents of Banana Street in Toekomsrus have had enough of sewage overflowing in the street in front of their houses. Now, a dam has also formed on the road causing a disgusting problem for both residents and motorists.
Resident Sylvia Mokgware explained that the sewerage is blocked in Banana Street and as a result, sewage is overflowing into the street. She noted this is the third time. The first two times the residents paid to have it repaired.
She continued they can’t get out of their yards in the morning, due to the stream of sewage. They wake up at 06:00 in the morning just to spray the sewage off with a hose as it is the worst in the mornings.
It is also a health hazard to the people in the area, especially the children who now can’t go outside to play. Mokgware’s elderly mother is even going to stay with her family to get away from the sewage.
“The smell alone makes me sick,” stated Mokgware.
The sewage is currently forming a dam lower down in the street and vehicles cannot pass through there.
Sarah Percent, another resident, added some of the residents made holes in the cement next to where the dam has formed to prevent the sewage from overflowing into the property next to the dam.
Further Mokgware noted they have contacted the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) to have it repaired, but as of yet, it hasn’t been fixed.
“I don’t think we’re getting any assistance from our municipality,” said Mokgware.
Spokesperson for RWCLM Phillip Montshiwa said the municipality is dealing with significant sewer blockages caused by old infrastructure, including Toekomsrus.
“We typically address reported problems, and this matter has already been reported and will be addressed.”