Frequent sewage leaks in Illiondale have community members up in arms and at their wits’ end.
The constant stench and sewage-saturated ground have left residents gasping for fresh air and fearing for their health. According to Karren Road property owner, Natascha Kodydek, the “floods” of sewage started last year November. She said sewage started frequently flowing out of manholes soon after LinkAfrica installed fibre cables in the area.
Kodydek said the fibre cables were installed in the sewerage pipe running parallel to Karen Road.
Kodydek, who rents out her property, said her property is flooded almost weekly.
She said after the overflow of sewage wet wipes, sanitation pads and nappies can be found near the sewerage manhole.
“The situation has left me feeling angry and helpless,” said Kodydek.
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Elaine Becker, Kodydek’s property managing agent said whenever the matter is reported to the municipality or LinkAfrica it is attended to swiftly.
“Although the problem is being attended to it seems there is no long-term solution,” said Becker.
“On some occasions, sewage will flow from the manhole a few hours after it has been attended to.”
Kodydek said the ordeal has left a bad taste in her mouth. Like Kodydek, Albert Meintjes, a Karen Road resident, raised similar concerns about sewage flowing from the manholes.
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“We always had the occasional overflowing manhole before the fibre cables were installed but there has been an increase,” explained Meintjes.
Meintjes said when there is an overflow of sewage it flows over his driveway and sometimes onto his property.
He said mixed amongst the sewage is condoms and other objects.
“The smell is terrible and when it is hot flies are attracted to the stench and are everywhere,” said Meintjes.
“The sewage is a health hazard; who knows what bacteria is in it?”
Councillor Heather Hart, Ward 18, said she was alerted to the sewage problem in February.
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She said both the municipality and LinkAfrica are aware of the ongoing situation.
“When sewage overflows raw faeces, condoms and tampons are carried through residents’ gardens or across their driveways,” said Hart.
She said LinkAfrica has informed her that the cables will be removed from the sewerage pipes in the hopes of reducing the overflowing sewage.
