Tedstoneville residents face health risks as sewage spills and illegal dumping persist

Tedstonville residents continue to live under dire conditions as persistent service delivery failures expose the community to severe health and safety hazards.

For months, residents have raised concerns about the deteriorating state of basic municipal services, yet little has been done to address the crisis.

Untreated sewage has been flowing openly along Fisant Street, creating unbearable living conditions and posing serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

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The sewage spill has been compounded by illegal dumping that has spiralled out of control.

Piles of waste line open spaces and sidewalks, attracting rats, flies and stray animals while releasing toxic odours into nearby homes.

These conditions increase the risk of disease outbreaks, including diarrhoea, cholera and other waterborne illnesses.

Adding to the problem, overgrown grass and unmaintained public spaces have created hiding spots for criminal activity.

Residents say they no longer feel safe walking in their neighbourhood, especially at night, as neglected areas provide cover for criminal elements.

According to the DA, these conditions are a direct result of the failure of leadership in the city, who fail to prioritise service delivery.

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The party has committed to raising these issues in Council and holding the City of Ekurhuleni accountable for what it describes as “undignified and inhumane living conditions”.

“Despite repeated service requests and complaints logged by residents, their concerns have fallen on deaf ears,” said PR councillor Sally Nene.

Structural challenges and community realities

Germiston City News spoke to Talfryn Harris from Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa about the impact this has on the environment and residents.

“Every environment that is polluted will have a negative impact on people. Even dire consequences in the long run,” said Harris.
He said the city is not doing much to curb the issue.

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“Political will is urgently needed to repair the city’s failing sewage infrastructure and curb illegal dumping. Waste management remains another major challenge.

“In several areas, the wheelie bin system has collapsed due to theft and vandalism, leaving households with no reliable method to store refuse. Calls have been made for the city to adapt waste collection systems to suit different community conditions instead of relying on a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Harris.

However, there is also an acknowledgement that residents themselves have a role to play.

“Illegal dumping and littering remain widespread, often driven by the mistaken belief that dumping ‘creates work’”.

“This behaviour not only worsens environmental conditions but places additional strain on already overstretched municipal services,” he added.

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Education and awareness urgently needed

Harris expresses that many sewer blockages are caused by improper waste disposal, highlighting the urgent need for public education campaigns by the city.

“Residents need to use their ablution facilities properly. This will prevent ongoing infrastructure damage and prevent sewer blockages,” said Harris.

An enquiry was sent to the city about the plan for tackling illegal dumping and blocked drains.