Riool ‘n krisis in Komatipoort

KOMATIPOORT – A local family has been left to fend for themselves, and after pleading for assistance from the local municipality, they were served with a 14-day notice.

“This can result in criminal prosecution and/or a hefty fine,” said DA Cllr Mariette Preddy.

Ms Linda van der Bank and her family had to live in sewage for nearly a month after the outside drain leaked waste into her yard and driveway, which resulted in her family’s poor health. Nothing had been done yet to rectify the situation.

To make matters worse, the family received a legal notice from the Ehlanzeni district council, municipal health service which obligated them to fix the problem within 14 days or they would face prosecution.

“The notice expired on October 14 and we are expecting a call or inspection soon. We took all the steps we could. Our only option was a septic tank, we installed one and it works perfectly.

However, I now hear the other residents are disgusted with me as this blocked off their drains, and consequently the sewage is leaking into their yards. When I needed help no one did anything. Now that they face the same problem, I am to blame. We received no advice or assistance from the municipality or community. Everyone simply ignored the issue, now I will do the same.”

According to municipal spokesman Mr Cyril Ripinga, the property is privately owned and therefore not the responsibility of the municipality, but that of the owner. Van der Bank explained that the municipality and town planning could not provide her with development plans.

This also exposed the double standards of the district municipality, as sewerage leaks were present all across Nkomazi and no action had been taken against the local council to encourage the restoration and maintenance of sewage disposal systems.

The Ehlanzeni district council spokesman was unable to comment before going to print.