The residents of Tshing (Ext. 8) in Ventersdorp are pleading for their ongoing sewage issues to be resolved.
The problems started in 2016 when the power station broke. Since then, they have experienced sewage problems on and off.
“Although the issue started long ago, it is much worse this time around; we have been battling for over two months straight,” lamented a resident, Motsumi Thomas (41).
The residents have begged for the matter to be resolved countless times, but nothing seems to be done. “Whenever they do come and unblock the system, it doesn’t take long for the problems to start again,” Thomas added.
Residents feel they have run out of options in getting the matter sorted out. “Every time we call the municipality, they promise us the matter will be resolved,” he said. “I know for a fact that it will persist for a long time.” The issue has also affected the way Thomas lives.
“I can’t even use my own toilet. I have to use the one at work be- cause, when I flush, the toilet overflows.”
When the sewerage system is blocked, the residents have to endure the unbearable smell. “We can’t go outside or open the door for fresh air because the stench is too strong to bear. Even though our doors are closed, you can still smell the stink,” he continued.
Two houses from Thomas’s house lives an elderly woman, Mmasabata November (65), who has lung problems. “Please help us; the circumstances we are living in are extremely bad. I’m even sitting here with my hand covering my nose due to the smell,” she said in desperation. “This is affecting my health; I can barely breathe,” she continued.
The Herald asked the J.B. Marks municipality for comment, but none was forthcoming by the time of publication.