Councillor wades into Newcastle sewage saga
Councillor, Bertie Meiring says he warned the Council that Newcastle is sitting on a 'ticking time bomb'.
A bakkie driver and his occupants were fortunate to escape without serious or even fatal injuries, after the vehicle plunged into a sewage-filled trench in the Newcastle CBD on the evening of August 29.
The driver was travelling along Lyell Street when the vehicle crashed into a trench, allegedly dug by the municipality in an attempt to resolve further sewage woes in the area.
Sewage problems have long been a source of frustration for Lyell Street residents, who frequently have to wade ankle-deep through human waste to access their homes.
Democratic Alliance and Ward 4 Councillor, Bertie Meiring believes under-budgeting has contributed to the town’s failing infrastructure and said the gravity of the situation has not yet been comprehended.
The municipality is doing its best to address the issues one by one, but as soon as one is resolved, another arises. I believe the entire situation is the result of the previous council not budgeting enough funds for proper infrastructure maintenance over the years. I recall raising these concerns in council meetings over the last few years,” he stated.
Cllr Meiring added that he had warned the Council that Newcastle is sitting on a ‘ticking time bomb’.
When the pumps on Church Street are used for example, sewage spills out at the railway houses [on Lyell Street]. This is due to the collapse of a sewer line near the industrial area. However, I believe that with time and proper funding, the entire sewage system will be operational again.”
For the reactions of the Deputy Mayor and acting Municipal Manager, see the report in this week’s Newcastle Advertiser.
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