After a sewerage line was recently blocked in Klopperpark, Ineke O’Dougherty’s property was flooded with raw sewage.
O’Dougherty first noticed the sewage on the evening on January 18 when she returned home from errands.
“When I first noticed the sewage, I was not sure what to do. The length and breadth of my entire garden were covered in sewage,” said O’Dougherty.
“It was horrific, the stench was terrible.”
While the sewage covered the property, O’Dougherty could not leave her house whenever she wanted.
If she wanted to go to her car or garden, she needed to put on boots to avoid the sewage spill.
After reporting the matter to the City of Ekurhuleni, a team was sent to clear the blockage. However, they were not successful.
The blockage was cleared by the contractors appointed by CoE on January 21.
Divisional head of communication and media relations for the CoE Nhlanhla Cebekhulu said the blockage occurred further down the line from O’Dougherty’s home.
The sewage flowed from a manhole neighbouring O’Dougherty’s property and flowed under her perimeter walls.
“The blockage was caused by tree roots and foreign matter in the sewerage line,” said Cebekhulu.
“The departmental team was unable to clear the blockage using conventional means so the assistance of a contractor with a high-pressure water jet was required.”
O’Dougherty said the day after the blockage was cleared, the contractors returned to pour disinfectant on the property.
