Residents on Petrel Road in Daggafontein have been living with a sewage problem for the past six years.
“What happens is that the drain or sewage line gets blocked and then it comes up on my property”, says Wynand van der Merwe.
“When it rains, the water level rises up and it goes against my wall.
“It used to go into my yard, but then I installed a pipe and it now drains to the other side of my house.”
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The sewage bubbles up and with it comes used sanitary towels which are unsightly to say the least.
The sewage has become a health hazard for those who live around the area.
“The stagnant water attracts a lot of mosquitoes and I cannot open my windows at night”, says van der Merwe.
“I am scared of the diseases these mosquitoes could infect me with.
“Two of my dogs died last week when they ate something that was contaminated by this water.
“We are constantly getting a stomach bug because of this problem.”
Also read: Residents battle sewage problems
Residents also complain that the problem has decreased their quality of life, as they cannot socialise with their friends at home.
“You cannot invite anybody to come to your house because it stinks.
“You can’t even sit outside or have a braai,” says van der Merwe.
The residents allege that the municipality is aware of the problem but has done nothing to fix it.
“They just come here with a honey sucker and suck it out.
“They also put the white powder over everything to help with the smell, but it doesn’t work.
“The problem comes back after a few days.
“We really need a more permanent solution to this problem”, says van der Merwe.
The metro failed to respond to a request for comment in time for publication.
