Residents of Impala Drive have been battling a persistent sewage problem for the past four years, with no relief in sight.

What was once an occasional inconvenience has escalated into a serious and ongoing health hazard affecting households all along the street.

Worsened by rainfall

According to residents, rainfall significantly worsens the situation. Heavy rain pushes sewage back up through the drainage system, causing it to overflow into the streets and, in many cases, onto private property. Homeowners report that drains within their yards frequently spill over, exposing families and pets to harmful waste.

“It’s unbearable,” one resident fumed.

“After it rains, it can take up to five days for the sewage to dry up. The smell lingers and we worry constantly about the health risks.”

Futile efforts

Despite efforts by the municipality to address the issue – primarily by attempting to unclog the drains using long rods – residents say the problem carries on. Many believe these measures are only temporary fixes that fail to address the root cause.

“It is unacceptable that core municipal responsibilities are neglected while residents suffer the consequences of systemic mismanagement,” Newcastle & District Residents Forum (NDRF) chairperson Matthew Shunmugam stated.

It has become increasingly clear that the existing drainage infrastructure beneath Impala Drive is unable to cope with the volume of sewage flowing through it. As the system becomes overwhelmed, back-flows and overflows are inevitable, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Continuous frustration

The ongoing situation has sparked frustration among residents, who are calling for a long-term solution. They are urging local authorities to upgrade the sewerage system to handle the area’s demands, and to prevent further health and environmental risks.

Municipality spokesperson Musa Ngcobo agrees that this poses a risk to residents’ health, stating that the situation is unacceptable. “A matter of this nature cannot be allowed to persist, and it requires a swift and decisive response.”

Despite the municipality’s concerns, the NDRF demands immediate repair and restoration of the sewer system in Impala Drive; accountability for officials responsible for service delivery failures; and urgent intervention from oversight bodies.

As the issue continues unresolved, residents remain concerned not only for their quality of life, but also for the safety and well-being of their families and the community.

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