Community unblocks stinking storm drain after metro fails to act
Tired of the stench and health risks, Mamelodi West residents took matters into their own hands to unblock a storm drain that had turned into a sewer after the metro had failed to act for months.
Residents of Section B3 and Nkandla informal settlement in Mamelodi West rolled up their sleeves to unblock a stormwater channel line, which has turned into a sewerage line.
The residents came together to unblock the drain, since it was affecting everyone who resides nearby.
A resident, Mpho Segida, said he could no longer stand the stench coming from the drain, and everyone’s health was at risk.
Segida said the storm drain had been blocked for over four months.
“The residents turned the storm drain into a water channel line for pouring water after bathing, as well as getting rid of sewage. It eventually blocked as the residents were also throwing dirt next to the drain,” said Segiba.
He said the matter had been reported several times to Tshwane metro, which as yet failed to come to unblock the drain.
“Therefore, the community and residents came together with our own working tools and unblocked the sewer.
“We have agreed not to pour dirt in the drain that will block the drain, and we installed a sifting net to prevent further blockage in the drain line,” said Segiba.
“We also agreed to look after the drain because once it gets blocked, the results are health hazards and mosquito bites.”
The residents of Nkandla informal settlement had used the drain as a washing place for laundry, bathing and littering.
Councillor Sizwe Tsiane, who later joined the residents, initiated a two-day cleaning initiative to keep the surrounding areas clean.
The initiative took place on Monday and Tuesday.
“We volunteered to enter the sewerage line and physically clean the sewage and litter. We installed a sieve to prevent plastics from littering the line.
“We donated concrete and cement to restore the storm water channel/cover, we removed all the illegal dumping and made sure that the place is clean,” said Tsiane.
“We further elected a new committee to sustain all the efforts made so far. We’re now waiting for a jet vet to clean the entire channel, hoping that the MMC of Roads and Transport will speed up the process,” said Tsiane.
He added that lastly, he hoped that the MMC for Human Settlements would speedily assist in fast-tracking the relocation process of the informal settlement.
This is not the first time the storm drain has been blocked.
There was another time when seven residents of Nkandla Informal Settlement got into their working clothes and took their own tools and started unblocking the stinking stormwater drain.
The blockage of the storm drain also affected residents of Moombori Street in Section B3.
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