Water pipes a cause for concern during heavy rain
'When the matter was first investigated they confirmed that the main pipeline is blocked, which causes the water to push up through our inlet.'
Heavy rainfall over the last few days has caused flooding in various areas of the West Rand. While not many people are thinking of their plumbing when the heavens open and the rain pours down, local resident Muriel Oliphant grows more concerned with each passing storm.
Also read: Sewage drama flares up again
“Every time there’s heavy rainfall, sewage pushes up through the drain inlet in our yard. It’s not long before our entire yard is strewn with toilet-paper and faeces,” she explained.
Although Oliphant and her family have only occupied the house for approximately five months, they have already experienced numerous incidents, with little assistance from the relevant department.
She went on to say that she reported the matter on various occasions, but to no avail.
“Joburg Water dispatched officials one or two times, but they have yet to fix the issue. When the matter was first investigated they confirmed that the main pipeline is blocked, which causes the water to push up through our inlet,” Oliphant explained.
“This is not fair because it’s other people’s waste pushing up in our yard. The problem isn’t on our side – it’s on the municipality’s side. But now we have to deal with the consequences. We don’t have the means or resources to fix it ourselves.”
While waiting for an official to attend to the matter, Oliphant and her family will remain anxious each time the clouds seem to gather.
The Record asked Ward Councillor Johannes Goosen for comment on the matter, but haven’t received any feedback at the time the article was published.
