ERMELO – Some residents of the municipal housing in Jan van Riebeeck Street, behind the Oak Centre, are facing severely unsanitary conditions due to the recurring flooding during heavy rainfall, with sewage overflowing into their homes.

According to a group of residents, they have repeatedly reported the issue to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality, but their pleas for assistance have been met with inaction and, in some cases, they say, rudeness.

The residents said their living situation is plagued by recurring sewage overflows, flooding and deteriorating infrastructure.

According to one resident, Lorraine McNeill, heavy rains consistently cause sewage to back up into their homes, bubbling up through showers, toilets, and even kitchen sinks.

“I can’t even shower, as soon as it rains, the sewage boils up and flows into the house,” she said.

The situation has taken a severe toll on her health she claimed.

Suffering from cancer, McNeill now also battles asthma, due to the unsanitary conditions.

“My doctors even wrote numerous letters regarding the issue and the effect it has on my health.”

Read the complete article in Highvelder.