Underground water a problem for resident in Ackerville

Had Ms Martha Mahlangu known about the underground water problem at the house she bought some years ago she would not have done so because the water has caused her so many problems and frustrations.

Ms Mahlangu of Ackerville has water flowing into her yard for the past years destroying her garden and part of her walls.

“According to information there was a pipe put underground to direct the flow of the water but after a shack was built next to her house the problems started. The matter has been reported to the municipality and nothing is done to solve the problem. I have tried to build a furrow for the water to flow through but when it rains, it is havoc as the water floods the whole yard. This has been going on for a long time and there is no solution to the problem,” said Ms Mahlangu sadly.

According to Ms Mahlangu the previous councillor was aware of the problem but she failed to remove the shack owner. She also said infrastructure was made for the water to follow through but after the shack was built they were diverted to her yard and her neighbours. She added to say water even seeps into the house after heavy rains and that has caused damage to her furniture.

Cllr Audrey Mtsweni said she was aware of the problem even Mr Speedy Mashilo former MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs tried to solve the problem but water persisted. Cllr Mtsweni added to say that even the local municipality tried to fix the problem but it remains the same.

“According to my knowledge the water is from a sewer line flowing from near Old Coronation to Ackerville. It is a challenge and we need to sit down with both families and try to find a long-lasting solution to the problem. I will try and arrange a meeting between the two families going forward.”

Ms Mahlangu has built a furrow to let the water flow through to the street but that has not helped as the water flows from her yard and has damaged the street as well.