Pretoria west residents are furious over a smelly stream in the area.
The stream runs through large parts of Proclamation Hill.
Resident Ziyad Layte said there was a strong sewage smell emanating from the stream.
“What we experienced is that there is a sewerage pipe that flows into the river that has an absolutely foul smell,” he said.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Coca-Cola factory accepts partial guilt over smelly west stream
“We have to close all windows and doors to stop the smell from the house, but sometimes it’s hot and we have no other option to open our doors and windows.”
Layte said the problem has been reported to the Tshwane metro, to no avail.
“My mother-in-law came to visit us from Eastern Cape and due to this awful smell, she had to stay at her grandchildren in town due to the smell,” he said.
“This smell is unhygienic and a serious concern for our health.”
Another resident Sonja Theron said it was “unacceptable”.
“How can people keep on living like this with nothing being done,” she asked.
“Some of us have businesses in the area.”
Theron said residents were not exactly sure what caused the smell but suspected it came from the industrial area.
“It is the only thing that makes sense,” she said.
“Residents cannot take this smell anymore. Something needs to be done.”
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Residents still concerned over Moot stream
She said another problem was that the grass was overgrown on some parts of the field.
“This is surely a good hiding spot for criminals,” she said.
“Now this stream is not only affecting residents’ health, but also our safety.”
Crystal Barnard said the bad smell was not the only issue concerning residents.
“People were also dumping illegally at the field, which contributes to the bad smell,” she said.
“We cannot live like this anymore.”
Local Moot ward councillor Roelof Fourie told Rekord this week that a task team had been appointed to tackle the issue of long grass.
“This is already making a big difference, but there are many areas to cover,” he said.
Tshwane metro had not commented at the time of going to press.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
