Phalaborwa bakery owner fumes over ongoing sewage leaks
A Phalaborwa bakery owner says two years of unresolved sewage leaks are hurting his business, as residents raise wider concerns about service delivery failures.
PHALABORWA – Frustrated Phalaborwa bakery owner says he has reached breaking point over persistent sewage leaks that the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality (BPM) has repeatedly failed to resolve.
The business, located on the corner of Von Wielligh and Potgieter streets, produces about 16 000 loaves of bread daily and contributes significantly to the local economy.
Complaints go unresolved
The owner says the ongoing stench and flow of sewage from a nearby manhole are making it increasingly difficult to operate.
The frustrated businessman says he has been dealing with the problem for two years.
“Every time I call, someone comes to fix it, but by the next day, the sewage is overflowing again. I spend thousands trying to keep my premises clean because I work with food. I shouldn’t be the one cleaning up; this is the municipality’s responsibility, I pay rates and taxes,” he said.
He added that if officials were fulfilling their duties, situations like this would not occur.
Residents echo frustration
His frustrations echo those of many residents, who believe the town has deteriorated significantly. In addition to widespread sewage leaks, residents complain about potholes, litter in parks, and open stormwater drains.
Following these concerns, the Herald conducted its own inspection around town and found several open stormwater drains, unfixed manholes, sewage flowing into streams and streets, and litter and rubble scattered across parks.
Photos: Tintswalo Shipalana
Municipal spokesperson Jonas Mahesu said that the BPM received a new machine on December 2, which will be used to repair potholes.
He could, however, not confirm when the sewage issues and open stormwater drains would be addressed.
Residents can email emelda@herald.co.za with service delivery issues.
