RESIDENTS of Matheran Road in Avoca say urgent action is needed to address longstanding sewage leaks which have made their lives ‘unbearable’ for the past few months.

Recently, Northglen News was contacted by a group of concerned residents who said their health is being compromised by the leaks.

They say the leaks have led to an increase of flies and mosquitoes in the area, and an intolerable stench as waste water is carried into their homes and a natural stream on the road on a daily basis.

Three leaks across Matheran Road (just off Firwood Road) have left pedestrians no choice but to walk through raw sewage on a daily basis. Something resident, Suren Mahabir, says is unacceptable.

“We have reference numbers going back many months trying to get the City to come and attend to the problem. In the last few years the leaks have gotten worse and even though the City unblocks the sewerage pipes, it only takes a day before the same problem returns.”

“The smell is unbearable and most of the residents on the road have to do their daily chores with that toxic, choking smell permeating the air.

“The increase of flies and mosquitoes is also cause for concern. All of this waste water is also flowing into a natural stream which ends up in one of the uMngeni River tributaries. Often we have to drive through the waste water which we bring into our gardens but my heart goes out to the pedestrians who use this road on a daily basis. The first two leaks they can jump over, however, the third leak leaves you no option but to walk through. This is unacceptable and is a massive health hazard,” Mahabir explained.

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Ward councillor, Bobby Maharajh, said he had been told the overflow of waste water was due to residents flushing alien items into the sewerage network.

“The City has told me they have found all sorts of items in the sewerage pipes like cloth and sanitary pads which in part is causing the problem. This is happening far too often and costing the ratepayers thousands of Rands. What the residents need is a permanent solution, the blockage is one part of the problem. Matheran Road residents have been complaining about this issue for many years,” Maharajh said.

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