Municipal failure the cause of local sewage mess
Sharpe says the ignorance and lack of communication from ELM and Metsi-a-Lekoa is making their lives unbearable.
VANDERBIJLPARK – The sight and stench of sewage overflowing in a backyard in Vanderbijlpark highlights a failure in the very systems designed to protect public health and the environment in the Vaal.
Local resident, Wilma Sharpe reiterates her frustration stating this has been a persistent problem.
“It’s frustrating and stressful when issues like sewerage are not resolved promptly. The unpleasant odour and terrible mess, property damage and potential health risks are disrupting my family’s daily routines, leaving us feeling helpless.”
Sharpe and her neighbour have been struggling with sewerage leakage for the past three years and reported the matter untiringly to the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), but seemingly in vain.
Sharpe says the ignorance and lack of communication from ELM and Metsi-a-Lekoa is making their lives unbearable. “ I cannot open my back door at the kitchen due to the horrible smell. My poor dogs have to be confined to a small space due to my whole backyard looking like a sewerage farm.”
Every time Vanderbijlpark is without water for a week or two sewerage is flowing like a river pushing even more into Sharpe’s backyard. “The situation is so dire that my other neighbour once fell in the sewerage on his way to my door. Even my gate motor has stopped working due to the persistent flow of sewerage,” Sharpe explains.
According to Sharpe, Metsi-a-Lekoa allegedly cannot provide complainants with a reference number, “because it is in the management’s hands.” When requested to speak with management Sharpe was denied.
Sharpe says she has reported the matter to the Democratic Alliance councillor of Ward 10, Mr Peter Verbeek and the only feedback she got was on July 10, stating that he has communicated the issue with the Mayor of Emfuleni and the people at the municipal office.
Sharpe says all she wants is communication on what is causing the problem and then a proper solution. “If somebody can just communicate with us what is the exact problem, and who is telling the truth? I’m fed up! Why can’t anyone help us get rid of the sewage?”
