Newlands has been grappling with persistent sewage problems for over a decade, leaving residents increasingly frustrated and at their wits’ end.
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The situation has escalated in recent months, with local Newlands resident Chris Pretorius reporting that this is the fourth sewerage blockage incident since January. “It actually happened in December last year. From January until April, it is blocked again,” he lamented.
Pretorius mentioned that he cannot run his day, and work out of his garage, as the sewage water runs through his yard. “I cannot finish the concrete work because of the continuous issue. The drain gets unblocked, and then, days later, it is blocked again. My mom’s health is a huge concern, as we need to constantly buy medication and also cleanse and clean the yard at our own expense.”
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Ward 86 councillor Chantelle Fourie-Shawe addressed the ongoing sewage crisis, particularly highlighting the issues at the intersection of 5th and Alberts streets. “The sewage issue has been ongoing for weeks,” she stated. “Speaking to the regional manager, she explained that teams have been on the ground daily to address whatever is blocking the sewerage line in the area, which is causing the overflow.”
Despite the efforts of maintenance teams, Shawe noted that the blockage remains stubborn. “Whatever is blocking the pipe is not budging,” she said, emphasising the challenges faced by the teams working to resolve the issue.
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