For the past two weeks a West Acres family has been forced to endure the unbearable stench of an overflow of waste into their yard from their neighbour’s blocked manhole.
The Du Preez family has also been forced to keep their kitchen door closed because the foul smell has made it nearly impossible to prepare food. The owner of the house, Ms Charmaine du Preez, said she was alerted to the situation by her daughter.
“She called to tell me that our neighbour’s manhole was blocked. I asked a friend to call Sembcorp Silulumanzi to come and fix it, but they only responded after two days,” she said.
By that time, the manhole had already spewed the sewage into their yard through their security wall.
When Nelspruit Post visited the family on Monday, the trail of excrement had already created a breeding ground for disease. Du Preez also alleged that Sembcorp had promised to clean up the mess in her yard left by the overflow.
“I have been waiting for them and they haven’t kept their promise,” she said.
She also expressed her fear that the situation might pose a health hazard to her whole family.
This newspaper contacted Sembcorp about the issue. Spokesman, Mr Richmond Jele, said the family can claim from the company for repairs if the wall has been damaged due to the overflow.
“We do have public liability claim cover for situations like this one. We call on people with evidence of any damage to contact us,” he said.
Jele said the family, or anyone who find themselves in a similar situation, can claim through their insurance company which will then contact Sembcorp on their behalf or they can visit their offices.
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