Sewage causes a stink

COMPLAINTS about a sewage leak emanating from the Dutch Club in Tara Road has caused a stir among Bluff residents.

According to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, sewage from the septic tank at the Dutch Club has spilled onto land surrounding the premises.

 
He claims this has been an ongoing issue since October 2018, and that the sewage is collected in large bins by some of one of the club employees after its weekly Saturday flea markets. “They collect the sewage in wheely bins and just dump it in a river channel near the premises. It’s not only illegal and disgusting but also poses a concerning health hazard,” he said.

The resident has approached ward 66 councillor JP Prinsloo, who advised he is fully aware of the functional and legal issues pertaining to the club and its fleamarket. “It must be noted that, as a councillor, I do not have the power to close any business or club, however I have the responsibility to raise possible issues involving municipal assets to city officials. There is no intention to close the flea market because these store holders will be victims of something that is out of their control. If needs be, the market will be relocated to an adjacent site on the Bluff until irregularities at the club can be rectified by the city,” he explained.

 
Prinsloo added that a meeting was held between concerned members of the club and stakeholders such as the SAPS and the health department, where the sewage issue was brought to light.
“The city has bylaws and policies which must be implemented and adhered to without fear or favour. I do not have control over how the city responds to individual incidents but as a matter of principle, where laws and contracts are being broken, as a public representative and lawmaker, I must report them,” added Prinsloo.

 
Ethekwini Municipality’s senior manager of parks, leisure and cemeteries, Sherelle Whitaker acknowledged receipt of a query about alleged sewage mismanagement and will investigate and respond. The Sun made numerous efforts to call the Dutch Club’s management, using contact details provided by both Cllr Prinsloo and a former club member. Calls to these numbers went unanswered over several days.

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