After more than three weeks of living with overflowing sewage outside her home, 67-year-old Emely Motaung has received relief after the City of Ekurhuleni repaired the collapsed sewer.

On July 27, Alberton Record reported on Motaung’s struggle after she said the overflowing sewage had created unbearable living conditions, posed a health risk and made her ill.

On July 29, the City of Ekurhuleni responded to media enquiries from the Alberton Record.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained that the municipality first attended to the complaint on June 17.

A rods team was initially dispatched but was unable to clear the blockage. A jet truck was then sent to the site, where officials discovered that the sewer pipeline had collapsed.

According to Dlamini, the collapsed section was located on the neighbouring property at 8851 Tshele Street. However, municipal teams could not gain access because no one was home during the day and an illegally built structure on the property had to be removed before repairs could begin.

On July 30, officials from the City of Ekurhuleni and members of the South African Police Service visited the area to assess the situation. On August 1, municipal teams returned and successfully repaired the damaged sewer.

Although the sewer has been repaired, the family said they are still waiting for the City to remove the sewage and clean the affected area.

“They told us they would come back on Monday with a truck to clean up the sewage, but we are still waiting,” said Emely.

“On behalf of my grandmother, we would like to say thank you to the Alberton Record for publishing our sewage problem; because of your story, something was done,” said Nthabiseng Makara.

While the family is relieved that the sewer has finally been repaired, they hope the City of Ekurhuleni will complete the clean-up as soon as possible to restore a safe and healthy environment for residents.

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