Rains wreak havoc on infrastructure

Happenings on the sewage front continue to be a smelly affair.

Residents in the vicinity of Capricorn Drive, Signal Hill have endured almost three weeks of stench, with sewage gushing onto nearby farmland.

They said this was not the first time this problem had occurred.

However, while in the past Newcastle Municipality was quick to act upon complaints, this time the problem had to be reported seven times before workers were dispatched. This is according to Inkatha Freedom Party Councillor, Dr Koos Vorster.

“This sewer line services houses in Pisces [Crescent] and flows to the pump station. The sewer line serving the houses on the left side of Capricorn Drive is also overflowing.”

Residents of Paterson Street have also complained about overflowing sewage.

Anna Theunissen said her son arrived from the Cape and could hardly stomach the stench, although the exact source of the leaking effluent could not yet be pinpointed.

“Last night, I had the door open and had to close it again because of the smell,” said another resident.

A series of questions were sent via email to Newcastle Municipality, for details of its plans to deal with sewage problems and what the turnaround time is, once complaints are made.

A response was received from municipal Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe, who agreed ageing infrastructure contributed to the frequency of burst pipes and water leaks. He also said overflowing manholes would worsen during rainy seasons.

“It is not only the municipality that must deal with the cause of the blockages; residents too must play an active role,” he added.

“Residents must refrain from channeling rain water from the gutters, to the sewage lines.”

ALSO READ: Are Newcastle’s sewage pipes a ticking time bomb?

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