ARBOR PARK – Monday’s stench of raw sewage gushing from a man hole on Link Road near Newcastle Mall, was caused by a blockage.
Manager of Newcastle Municipality Customer Relations, Doctor Dumisani Thabethe said an unauthorised third party company had allegedly removed sand from the area with a tractor-loader-backhoe (TLB), without municipal permission.
“They were grading sand with the TLB, and knocked over a manhole in the process. As a result of this, sand filled up the manhole and blocked up the sewer line. This has resulted in a sewer spillage at this point,” he said.
Dr Thabethe said municipal workers were hard at work to solve the problem.
“The community is reminded that no excavations are allowed without municipal permission. All excavations must be applied for by way leave application at the Department of Development, Planning and Human Settlement, through effective and efficient Geographical Information System (GIS). Other services in the area such as water, sewer and electrical must be identified before commencing with any excavations. Telkom and Eskom way leave applications should also be submitted prior to excavations,” he concluded.
The Newcastle municipality communications department said sewage problems could be reported either on the municipality’s website, or email complaints@newcastle.gov.za. Alternatively, contact the water and sewage department on 086 014 4144 to lodge a complaint.
Complaint forms can also be found in the Municipality’s building, on the first floor (rates and taxes department).
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