Fritz Breytenbach, a resident of Mitchell Crescent Street in Brenthurst, has dealt with recurring sewage flooding in his yard for more than two years, despite repeated reports to the City of Ekurhuleni.

“Our drains regularly push up sewage, including human waste, sanitary pads, toilet paper and more, which floods our yard, especially after rainfall. Each time it rains, we are left with a yard full of sewage,” he said.

“We have reported this problem to Ekurhuleni multiple times over the past two years, and on several occasions, municipal officials have taken our complaint and even visited our property to investigate the issue.

“However, despite these visits and reports, no permanent solution has been implement ed, and the problem continues to occur.

“The situation is a serious health and safety hazard. It’s highly unsanitary, poses risks to our household and pets, and the sewage water pools against the walls of our home, which may cause long-term structural damage to the property.

“Long ago, they (the municipality) removed cables near the storm water drain, where the truck pushed up all the storm water drains, and everything was just left like that.

“The flooding extends to the road, and recently, a car took the turn around the corner and flipped because of the water.

There were children in that car; thank God no one got hurt.

According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the sewer issues experienced in the area are related to the Ou Lokasie sewer pump station situated next to the Old Location informal settlement.

“We have been experiencing a lot of theft and vandalism affecting its operations for some time now,” he said.

“The Water and Sanitation Business Unit is in the process of fixing the facility, which will include the reinstatement of the electricity supply.

“We are also looking at replacing the stolen mechanical and electrical components and installing some security features to safeguard the pump station and curb future vandalism subject to budget availability.”

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