Dukathole residents fed up with leaking sewage

Complaining about his neighbourhood’s leaking sewerage pipes has Lesiba Malesa from the Dukathole informal settlement fed up.

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Malesa said the problem arose following the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) repairing the sewerage systems in 2018.

“They did not secure the manholes after the repairs. Since then, these manholes are open and frequently contain illegal material,” said Malesa.

“Because of the blockage, the pipes overflow. The CoE must maintain these pipes and manholes.

“When water fills the streets, children walking to school cannot roam freely. The elderly also find it challenging to navigate these streets.

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“The shacks flood during heavy rains, and we occasionally need to make a hole in a house to allow water to escape. Our furniture is damaged,” he said.

Malesa criticised the people of Dukathole for their ignorance and lack of concern for the environment.

According to him, informal business owners frequently fail to manage their waste.

“Although the CoE collects trash weekly, there are plenty of instances of rubbish in the streets, sewer systems, and pipes. The things they find when the truck arrives to unclog these pipes are incredible.

“Businesses that once operated in Dukathole have since closed their doors and relocated,” said Malesa.

He claimed that health hazards increase and breathing becomes difficult when the pipes are blocked.

“We are in danger of cholera. This scenario may lead to many diseases,” said Malesa.

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Ward 35 Clr Ntuthuzelo Mpambani said although a waste contractor collects rubbish, additional waste and foreign objects continue to enter the sewerage and drainage systems.

“People lack discipline and do not dispose of their waste properly. Operators of unofficial businesses must place their waste in plastic bags,” said Mpambani.

“Sewerages are continually getting unblocked and blocked again,” he added.

Mpambani said he frequently hosts community workshops on keeping the drainage and sewage systems clean.

“The challenge is people rarely show up to community meetings. We arrange for participants in these sessions to talk to the public and have posters around the neighbourhood, but still, fewer people show up,” said Mpambani.

The GCN requested comment from the City of Ekurhuleni by June 2 at noon. By the time of going to print no comment was received.