LISTEN: “The drain issue has been going going since July this year”
Something stinks in Freedom Park.
Freedom Park residents spoke about the apparent non-existence of service delivery in the area. According to Ward 119 committee member Debby Kubheka, no matter how many times the community reports issues, all they receive are reference numbers but the infrastructural issues they have are never dealt with.
She said, “For almost six months now, the community has had to put up with an overflowing drain. We have reported it but until now the drain is releasing foul-smelling water which has started making our children sick. It seems that when we report these issues, they fall onto deaf ears,” she added.
Kubheka also said that Joburg Water has dispatched workers to assess the drain, they leave the area without fixing the overflowing.
She said, “They stay for five minutes before leaving again.”
Fikile Malunga (75) said the issue has been ongoing since early July this year and has negatively affected her entire household.
“The water smells so bad and because of the heat, the smell has only gotten worse. Sometimes I can’t even bring myself to cook because the smell upsets my stomach. There are so many flies in our homes. This is no way to live, we need help,” she said.
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Another resident, Busisiwe Dlamini, said that serious change is needed in the community because a foul-smelling drain and dirty, contaminated water is enough to make anyone sick.
“All we’re asking for is basic sanitation. Having to inhale fumes like this just isn’t healthy,” said Dlamini.
Many of the residents in the area have expressed their concern about the effects of the contaminated water on their children’s health, especially during the upcoming school holidays.
“It seems like we will be having a smelly festive season,” said Malunga.
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