Silulumanzi is aware of the raw sewage spill on Heyneke Street in Mbombela, and plans are currently in place to resolve the issue.

According to Silulumanzi spokesperson Richmond Jele, the water utility company attended to the matter immediately after it was reported.

However, technical teams suspect that the sewer line has been incorrectly connected to a stormwater drainage pipe.

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“We deployed our Jetta machine to clean the sewer and removed a significant amount of sand, but it could not cope with the volume due to recent excessive rains. We have now hired a specialised truck to remove the sand and begin a full investigation to find a permanent fix,” Jele said.

He further noted that the repair might take more than a day, as the team must first identify the root cause of the blockage before a long-term solution can be implemented.

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Meanwhile, local business owners remain deeply concerned about the health and safety of their employees, customers and themselves. According to them, raw sewage has been flowing openly in the street for months, creating what they describe as an ‘unacceptable risk.’

“This situation directly affects our businesses and customers, who are forced to drive through sewage just to access our premises,” said a group of concerned residents. “Aside from the obvious hygiene concerns, this reflects poorly on the area and poses serious risks to the community, employees and the general public.”

While Silulumanzi continues its investigation, residents are calling for a swift and permanent resolution to the health hazard.