Sewage floods houses

Sewage has become a major problem in Rooikoppen and this is evident in every street.

According to Ms Pink Dhlamini, a resident, the sewage has been leaking for more than three years.

The sewage is located next to an orphanage and a day-care centre and the children have to pass it on their way to the centre.

According to another resident, children play in this sludge, which is detrimental to their health.

The residents have complained to the Lekwa Municipality, but in vain.

According to them, the municipal workers were sent to fix the sewerage.

“They came and dug a hole and we were happy that they finally heard our cries,” a resident said.

They alleged, however, that the municipal workers did a quick fix and did not resolve the issue completely.

The problem escalated when sewage flooded people’s houses and the community opted to dig trenches to prevent the water from coming in.

Ms Fina Manana, a resident, said she moved into the area last year and found the sewage leaking which got worse over time.

She had to dig a trench inside her house to get the water out.

“I have no place to sleep because the inside of my house is flooded,” she said.

Ms Dhlamini said she also had to dig a trench. She said the problem gets worse after heavy rain.

The sewage floods her yard as well as the trenches and the smell is unbearable.

Mr Sipho Mkwanazi, spokesman of the Lekwa Municipality, could not comment at the time of going to press.