Frustrated neighbours slam municipality over drainage crisis
Westonaria residents are calling for urgent action as blocked drains and sewage back-ups continue to affect households, raising concerns about health and sanitation.
Westonaria neighbours say blocked street drains and sewage backing up into their homes have created unbearable living conditions, with some claiming repeated complaints to the municipality have gone unanswered.
Gerhardus Greyvenstein said the issue has persisted for some time despite repeated attempts to get assistance from the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM).
“I have called the municipality numerous times to lodge complaints, but nothing has been done,” Greyvenstein said.
He said blocked stormwater drains have caused water and waste to accumulate in the streets. In some cases, the blockages have reportedly resulted in wastewater flowing back into properties.
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Greyvenstein said the problem is not isolated, with several households in his street facing similar challenges. Resident Anthon Greyling, who lives in an adjacent street, confirmed Greyvenstein’s claims and said he is concerned that stagnant water and sewage could pose a health risk, particularly to children and the elderly, while also attracting pests.
The drainage problems add to ongoing service delivery concerns in the area, with residents continuing to report sewage spillages and poor sanitation as waste remains in the streets for extended periods.
Residents are calling on the municipality to urgently clear the blocked drains and implement a long-term solution to prevent the problem from recurring.
RWCLM spokesperson Phillip Montshiwa acknowledged the complaints and said the municipality has a rapid response programme tasked with repairing infrastructure across Rand West.
“The municipality will attend to the problem in due course.”
Greyvenstein confirmed that municipal workers had repaired the blocked drains in the affected streets. However, they were informed that drains located on private properties cannot be repaired by the municipality, leaving some households without a solution to their drainage problems.
The Randfontein Herald submitted a follow-up media enquiry to Montshiwa on July 21 seeking clarity on the municipality’s responsibility for drains on private property. Although the enquiry was acknowledged, no response had been received by the time of publication.
