Residents raise a stink
The stink from the ditch has been described by residents as a health hazard in urgent need of the metro’s attention.
Andrew Ngozo
A foul-smelling ditch in Daspoort estate has residents and pedestrians fuming.
They said this week the stagnant pool of water in Charl Cilliers Street had also become a spot for illegal dumping, making matters worse.
Local housewife Susan de Villiers said she suffered on hot days when the stench was at its worst as she could not open doors or windows.
“The smell is so overwhelming. I couldn’t detect the smell during winter,” she said, adding that it had been compounded by illegal dumping on the nearby veld “in the ditch itself”.
Jobseeker Obvious Masvino said pedestrians were the worst affected.
Masvino said he stood on the corner of Charl Cilliers and Moot streets every day, waiting to be picked up for the odd casual job.
“I walk here daily because this is where job opportunities are. Unfortunately I have to pass by the ditch at least once a day. The smell is horrible,” he said.
“Initially, I thought the smell was from chemicals disposed of into the water but I don’t really know. This is a health hazard which needs urgent attention.”
A local business owner said the smell had affected his business as it forced customers to stay away.
“Sinovich dam is usually full of picnic goers on weekends but they don’t come here anymore because of the stench,” he said adding that reporting it would make no difference because nothing would come of it.
Another pedestrian said: “I have to cover both my nose and mouth when I pass this place. The stench is so strong and unbearable. Authorities must just treat the water or better yet cover or fill it up. Do they want someone killed and thrown into the water before they can take action?” he asked.
Area councillor John Barendrecht said he was aware of the illegal dumping and had asked the metro to clean up the area, which it did. “I am not aware of the smell but I will investigate.”
Tshwane metro had not responded to a Rekord enquiry at the time of going to print.
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