The residents of Hlalanikahle Extension 3 are complaining that their lives are affected by the overflowing sewerage. One family had to leave their house because of the sewerage and a shack has been left abandoned which also poses a danger to the neighbours.
A row of houses is being affected by the problem. One elderly woman says she cannot use her toilet and cannot even open her windows because of the smell. Her general health is affected as well.
The residents say the problem started in mid January and has been reported many times. Municipal workers have come and left without fixing the problem.
The sewerage overflows in their yards rapidly over the ground surface. Some of the residents are channeling the flow to a stream just below the area.
All categories of sewage are likely to carry pathogenic organisms that can transmit disease to humans and other animals; contain organic matter that can cause odour and nuisance problems; hold nutrients that may cause eutrophication of receiving water bodies; and can lead to ecotoxicity.
Cllr Jappie Msibi confirmed that they were aware of the problem as it is the main sewer pipe carrying the load from all other sections. They have tried to drain the sewerage but the municipal trucks cannot access the area. Cllr Msibi said that they were trying their best to fix the problem.
