Clairwood sewage disaster resolved
The SDB ABM in partnership with EThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) have been working together tirelessly to resolve the ongoing sewer problem in Clairwood.
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FOLLOWING numerous complaints and press coverage regarding the sewer problem on Sirdar Road, Clairwood, the South Durban Basin Area Based Management (SDB ABM), in partnership with EThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) Department, have been working together tirelessly to resolve this ongoing problem.
READ ALSO: Clairwood residents endure month-long sewage dilemma
“The problem had arisen due to a pipe continuously breaking underground. This break is extremely difficult to locate and not visible with the naked eye. The pipe has broken and been repaired on numerous occasions,” said Yoliswa Khumalo from EWS.
“Sirdar Road is an extremely busy road and an active route for economic activity. We, as businesses, had to close our doors because our staff was getting ill due to the sewer discharge. Businesses have lost revenue as a result of this. This road had to be closed off which placed the residents and businesses in a very compromising situation as was extremely inconvenient to all,” said local businessman, Ravi Naidoo
According to Eurakha Singh, senior manager SDB ABM, numerous calls were made and emails sent to rectify this long outstanding problem. A contractor was appointed but had to stop work due to protests from the community who requested that a local contractor be appointed.
READ ALSO: Elderly couple face 12 years of sewer horror
“This stoppage caused further delays. Fortunately, a new contractor was appointed to carry out this work. Due to the complexity of this problem, the teams had to locate the broken sewer pipe which is 1.3m in depth. On Thursday, 12 September, the broken pipe underground was located. On Friday, 20 September, the broken pipe was replaced and the road has been reconstructed and open for public usage.
“The SDB ABM, together with EWS, has faced many challenges in resolving this complaint but are pleased to report that due to constant monitoring, evaluating and escalation this has finally been resolved. We thank local businesses and community members for their patience,” said Singh.
Ward 32 PR councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker, said: “It is a welcome relief that the repairs and maintenance have finally been undertaken as the residents of Sirdar Road had endured this sewer problem for far too many years. Regular service and maintenance of pump stations must be done to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.”
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