An unpleasant smell and loads of rubbish dumped near an overflowing drain in Macfarlane Street has locals worried. Residents want authorities to pay urgent attention to the vacant land, which is a playground for various health risks.

Surrounding home owners say the vacant land and the stagnant water, which flows through it attracts flies and mosquitoes.

“The worst is when we receive rain, then I cannot use my driveway as it’s filled with water due to the blocked drain. This is a serious health hazard that needs to be cleaned up,” remarked one resident.

It’s been said that municipal employees fear working in the vacant area after a four metre long python was killed in the street in April last year. It’s believed that the python “has a twin” lurking around.

The residents’ concerns have been sent to the Acting Municipal Manager Elphas Dladla, a response is forthcoming.