Extension 7 residents sick of sewage and rubbish
Most residents live among the sewage spills and are next to numerous anthill-like rubbish dumps where everything from empty beer bottles to toilet paper creates a daily eyesore.
The residents of Extension 7 in Ikageng, also known as ZZ Baipeng, have been living like pigs in massive amounts of garbage and sewage for 20 years.
Poor infrastructure and service delivery has cost them their health and, even worse, their livelihoods through a lack of water provision and a safe living environment.
Video: Wouter Pienaar
Most residents live among the sewage spills and are next to numerous anthill-like rubbish dumps where everything from empty beer bottles to toilet paper creates a daily eyesore.
Sewage has been the primary concern in the past three months since a sewage block occurred on 20 May.
“Enough is enough. I’ve stayed here since I was 17, and 20 years later, we have no services and live like pigs in garbage and sewage. I have unblocked the sewerage myself a couple of times because otherwise, no one would come to assist us,” says Tsekiso Motiti, one of the residents.
Motiti’s yard is also filled with sewage, which has killed the plants in his garden. He is determined to keep fighting for services in his community.
“Our community is suffering, but someone must stand up against what is happening here. I have spoken to the municipality about the situation, but it seems to sidestep ZZ Baipei. Other informal areas get attention first,” says Motiti.
“There are no decent roads, and because of our location, residents struggle to get official residential addresses. There is also the issue of the allocation of stands,” he adds.
Other residents also feel they have been deceived through years of empty promises.
“The sewage is unbearable. People who don’t stay here do not understand the problem. We feel there is no freedom here,” says Margaret Kobue.
Maria Oliphant, who has lived in Baipei for 26 years, says the lack of water is also a critical problem.
“We suffer here. I’ve had to raise five children in these circumstances. This is no way for children to experience life. Because of the sewage spills, I’ve had to move my shack further up the hill,” she adds.
Motiti stands on top of one of the rubbish dumps as he points to an open channel where the smell of sewage fills the air.
“Kids can get hurt if they fall in there. Our health is at risk.”
The Herald asked the J.B. Marks Municipality for comment but had not received any by the of going to print.
