Foul stench grips Orchards as Tshwane investigates contaminated wetland
Stagnant stormwater and an unaddressed sewage spill have left Ribbon Street residents unable to open their windows as temperatures rise.
A persistent foul stench has rendered life unbearable for Ribbon Street residents in Ward 4, The Orchards, prompting an investigation by the City of Tshwane.
Following a media enquiry, the metro’s regional technical team investigated the area and discovered that a previous sewage blockage had contaminated a nearby wetland, while a blocked stormwater drainage system led to stagnant, foul-smelling water accumulating in the neighbourhood.
Residents claim the smell is particularly difficult to tolerate in warmer weather, with some saying they cannot open their windows because of the stench.
Ward 4 community leader Raymond Ditsi raised the issue, saying residents had repeatedly reported the problem to the municipality.
”We have a disaster in Ribbon Street and it is unbearable, unhealthy and not very good for residents,” said Ditsi.
Municipal records and response
The metro, however, claims its records show no outstanding complaints specifically about sewer blockages in Strydom and Boshoff streets in Orchards Extension 11.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said only two service requests relating to sewer blockages or spillages had been received from the area this year, with one involving a sewer blockage at 10 Peach Street in Chantelle resolved towards the end of June.
The matter has been escalated to the metro’s regional Roads and Stormwater Section for prioritization and resolution.
Resident Mathapelo Nonyane said the smell had become unbearable.
”The smell is unbearable, and we cannot continue living like this. The municipality must urgently fix this,” said Nonyane.
Lindiwe Masombuka said residents were concerned about the conditions as temperatures rise.
”It is getting hotter now, and the humid conditions will make breathing difficult for residents. Stormwater maintenance is the responsibility of the municipality,” she said.
Mashigo said the metro was confident that clearing the stormwater channel would eliminate the foul stench.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
