Despite numerous oversight visits and complaints to the technical department of the MDM, no feedback has been received and the residents and businesses in the area have had to deal with the sewage overflowing for more than five months.

“The continuous flow of sewage has caused an unbearable stench and is impacting businesses in the area negatively. The sewage spill further poses a serious health risk,” said Christine Du Preez, DA Ward 1 councillor. MDM is responsible for the maintenance and management of the sewage system in Hoedspruit. “It is failing dismally to fulfill its responsibility.

Also read: ‘It is disgusting’

Its failure infringes on the residents’ rights to a healthy and clean environment and also stifles efforts to encourage economic development that may create much-needed employment in the area.” She said that she reported the matter eighteen times to the municipality. “We will not sit and watch ratepayers being subjected to inhuman living conditions.

We are committed to ensuring residents in our communities are provided adequate sanitation services and the municipality must urgently address this matter,” she added. During his State of the District Address, MDM executive mayor, Pule Shayi, said that they will be installing screens in Lebamba and also install two sewage cutter pumps.