THE Glenwood Community Church has lashed out at the City for failing to repair a blocked drain which has led to raw sewage overflowing into their property and forced the closure of the Glenwood Community Pre-School.

Reverend Derreyl Ragwan said the pre-school as well as the senior and youth ministries have been affected by the raw sewage flowing into the yard.

“We’ve had to temporarily cancel the gathering of these ministries because the situation has become a health hazard,” said Ragwan. “We can no longer hold classes or have the learners attend pre-school. The smell is unbearable.”

The church on Bulwer Road, which is attended by more than 200 parishioners, has been battling with the stench for more than five weeks. After reporting the matter to the eThewkini Municipality and the local councillor, Fran Kristopher, the issue has not been resolved.

“The situation worsened on Saturday; someone from the City came to unblock the clogged drain earlier this week but it did not solve the problem. We’ve had to now dig a trench to stop the sewage flowing into the admin block.”

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Ragwan said the sewage is now leaking through multiple manholes across the school grounds.

“This situation poses a severe health and environmental risk to our learners, staff, and surrounding community. As a result, we have been left with no option but to close the school indefinitely in order to protect our children and staff. Our learners cannot safely return until this crisis is urgently addressed.”

He added, “We are now even considering cancelling Sunday service because it’s too much and we can’t even use the toilets.”

As of this morning, the drain was still blocked with sewage seeping into the church property. Kristopher, who has been to the church to check on the situation, said EWS came with a honeysucker and jetting.

“However it looks like the sewer line has collapsed and tree roots are also blocking pipes,” she said. “I have escalated the matter to Sanitation Department (EWS) and awaiting further intervention and action.” The eThekwini Municipality had yet to comment by the time of publishing.

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