Raw sewage overflow sparks outrage at Elsburg Cemetery
The overflowing sewage has not only made cleaning the graves unbearable but has also raised serious health concerns.
The Elsburg Cemetery Clean-Up Group is frustrated and concerned about the city’s neglect of the cemetery.
Raw sewage has continued to overflow into the cemetery since April 11.
The group said the city has shown a lack of respect for the deceased.
According to the group, they have been reporting the issue for weeks, pleading with the city to urgently attend to the overflowing sewer, which has resulted in waste spilling into the burial grounds.
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Despite repeated reports and follow-ups, the group said no action has been taken. Instead, they continue to receive messages stating that the matter has been addressed and the case is closed, even though the issue remains unresolved.
“It is heartbreaking and unacceptable. We have no loved ones laid to rest here, but there are heroes buried here.
“This is a historical site, yet we are met with the stench of sewage and a complete lack of dignity. It feels like the city has no respect for the dead,” said Coral Bowler.
The overflowing sewage has not only made cleaning the graves unbearable, but has also raised serious health concerns.
Pools of contaminated water have formed between graves, with some headstones and burial sites directly affected.
The group, which cleans the cemetery once a month, said its work has now been severely affected by the sewage overflow.
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The group said the site has been forgotten.
They claim the city does not care about the cemetery, noting that sections of the fence are missing and that they have repeatedly reported these issues without success.
“We are tired of empty promises. This is not just about infrastructure failure, it is about humanity and looking after history,” said the group.
Business owners close to the cemetery echoed the same concerns, calling on the city to prioritise the issue and treat it with urgency.
They warned that continued inaction could lead to further environmental damage and potential health risks for those passing through the cemetery.
“The constant water flow damages the infrastructure. The road is already in a bad condition, and the continuous flow of water does not help. What makes it worse is that it is sewage,” said a business owner.
An enquiry was sent to the city on May 14, requesting comment by May 18.
At the time of publication, the city had not provided a response regarding when the sewer system would be repaired and the affected area cleaned.
