Leaking sewers and manholes a health hazard for resident

BURGERSFORT – Residents of Extension 10 have been complaining about leaking sewers and burst pipes for almost nine months, stating that these have now become a health hazard.

Locals told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that the burst sewage pipe in the area was a cause for concern.

“We eat, drink and spend our days next to the leaking sewage. The stench is unbearable. We are toying with our health,” said one of the locals.

Resident, Harry Khumalo alleged that the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) employees had visited the site, but did nothing to remedy the situation. “We struggle to eat in our yards. We are fed up of living in these conditions. The municipality has to address the situation soon.”

Khumalo said the crisis started in February. “Municipal officials came once and poured sewage treatment chemicals and left. Every time we report the matter, we are told that they will come fix it.”

Another resident, Thato Magabane said, “There is a manhole overflowing next to houses. Sometimes there is waste and our pets and kids play there.” Magabane said as a result of the stench, residents nearby can hardly eat in their own homes as flies come pester them. “I am afraid the children will contract fatal diseases like cholera and dysentery,” said one of the neighbours.  

The paper forwarded queries to the SDM’s communications team. At the time of going to press, no response had been received.