Westbrook poo plight deepens further
Based on Courier reports alone, this has been a recurring issue at least five times since November last year.
Westbrook’s sewerage problem has plumbed to new depths this month, with thousands of litres of raw sewage again overflowing into the ocean.
This has been an ongoing issue over the past year, including pump failures, theft and lack of maintenance.
Aside from everything else residents are facing after the floods, they still have the added burden of coping with the stench of the pooling sewage.
When the Courier visited the area last Thursday, a resident, who asked not to be named, said the most recent failure had been left unattended for at least three weeks.
“We are now fed up. How much more can we be expected to take from the municipality? This is criminal neglect,” he said.
According to a visitor logbook at the main pump station, which remains under 24-hour protection by two guards, no workers had visited the site since May 11.
One of the guards said the pumps had been turned on by workers since the initial floods, but once they left, were left turned off.
eThekwini Metro has blamed the flooding on April 11 and 12 for the problems.
“The city is aware of damaged pump stations and other infrastructure after the recent heavy rain. It will take months to resolve,” the Metro said.
“We are assessing the extent of the damage and undertake to double efforts to restore basic services and infrastructure. We appeal for patience while we do everything in our power to meet public needs,” said spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.
Ward 58 councillor, Geoff Pullan, said he had referred the matter to eThekwini officials, but received no feedback.
The new pumps were installed in February after the previous equipment had been stolen.
No response has been received regarding water testing in the affected area despite multiple queries.
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