Sirdar Road ‘sewer pit’ raises service delivery concerns
Residents are now forced to use a nearby toilet in the bush which is dangerous for the elderly, women and children as Clairwood is a high crime area.
“Sirdar Road in Clairwood can be compared to a sewer pit” – these are the words of a disheartened Sharmaine Sewshanker, PR Ward 32 councillor for Clairwood.
This comes after the two-week blockage of raw sewage at the ablution facilities found at two informal settlements in the Clairwood area along Sidar Road. The sewerage has been flowing through the settlement onto the main road, causing a great health risk.
“I have in the interim written to the head at the department of water and sanitation Ednick Msweli, explaining the urgency of the matter but my email was forwarded to e-services who are very slow in responding. All ablution facilities are supposed to be maintained at regular intervals which is clearly not happening. Where are EPWP staff that are supposed to service and report such blockages?” she questioned.
READ ALSO: How to report municipal faults in Durban
Sharmaine expressed that there is a complete breakdown of service delivery in the area. “My greatest concern is for the families especially the children that have to live under such inhumane conditions. If something is not done urgently we could face a break out of serious diseases from the contaminated water. Residents are wadding in the filthy water to get access to the only standpipe in the area for clean water. How does one fetch clean water for cooking, bathing and drinking while standing in raw sewage? I’ve seen the women in Wellington boots washing clothes ankle-deep in the sewage.
“Residents are now forced to use a nearby toilet in the bush which is dangerous for the elderly, women and children as Clairwood is a high crime area. I’m disgusted that these unfortunate residents have to resort to such degrading methods in order to relieve themselves, surely this is human rights violation and against the SA constitution. I am appalled that this city does not care for its residents especially those who are underprivileged and live in informal settlements,” she concluded.
The SUN made attempts to contact the head of the department of water and sanitation, Ednick Msweli, who was unavailable to respond by the time of going to print. Msweli’s personal assistant, Sanele Simelane said that she would follow up on the report and get the office to act on it with priority, which was followed by a response from department manager, Gaylyn Manikum, who said: “On behalf of the water unit, I extend a sincere apology for any inconvenience caused. I will communicate with the senior officials from the sewer department who will respond soon.”
READ ALSO: How to report municipal faults in Durban
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
To receive our free newsletter click here
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
