Sewers ‘like waterfalls’ in flood-stricken Phalaborwa
Raw sewage is gushing onto streets in Phalaborwa, mixing with floodwater and raising fears of health risks amongst the angry community.
PHALABORWA – Residents in Phalaborwa town have expressed growing anger and concern after several sewer lines became blocked, causing raw sewage to spill into streets and pavements, worsening an already dire situation after the heavy rainfall in the area.
According to residents, more than four sewer blockages are flowing along Nollie Bosman Street and Park Street. The sewage has been described as flowing “like waterfalls,” gushing from manholes and mixing with rainwater that has accumulated following recent heavy downpours.
Community members say the combination of sewage and rainwater has caused contaminated water to spread rapidly across roads, sidewalks and nearby entrances to businesses.
“The sewers are flowing like waterfalls, adding to the rainwater that is already flooding the streets. It is impossible to tell where the clean water ends and the dirty water begins,” complained one resident.
Others said the smell has become unbearable, forcing some people to keep windows and doors closed throughout the day.
Parents have also raised concerns about the safety of children who walk to and from school or play in nearby streets.
Residents fear that exposure to raw sewage, especially during rainy conditions, could increase the risk of health conditions such as diarrhoea, skin infections and other waterborne illnesses.
Motorists have complained that driving through sewage-filled rainwater is damaging their vehicles and creating slippery, unsafe road conditions.
Community members say that sewer blockages in Nollie Bosman Street and Park Street are because of poor maintenance of the ageing sewer infrastructure and a lack of timely response from authorities.
“We report these issues every time, but nothing changes. The rain just exposes how bad the situation really is,” said another frustrated resident.
Residents are calling on the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality to urgently clear the blocked sewers, assess the damage caused by the heavy rainfall and implement long-term maintenance measures to prevent recurring incidents.
The Herald contacted the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipal spokesperson, Jonas Mahesu, however, he could not be reached.
