Sewage overflows into garden
House owner has to clean garden every time it rains.
SECUNDA – A resident of Lebombo Street has to clean his whole yard every times it rains.
“A manhole on the main sewerage pipeline in my back yard overflows every times it rains, sometimes for days afterwards,” said Mr Arnoux de Bruin.
He contacted the technical department of the Govan Mbeki Municipality to open the manhole to relieve the pressure on the system.
“The municipality knows about the problem as this situation.
“I have been told there is nothing that can be done to improve or resolve the situation.
“Storm water runs into the sewer system from somewhere else and causes this problem,” said Mr De Bruin.
He discussed the issue with Ms Thembi Masilela of the technical department and Mr Emmanuel Muanza, director of Technical and Engineering Services sent a letter in 2010, stating the following:
“A proper inspection to determine the root causes of these sewer blockages was conducted as stated in a letter from the municipality dated 9 March 2010.
“Through the investigation, it was discovered that roots had infiltrated the manhole and grit accumulated which cause sewer blockages.
“The inspection was completed on 11 May 2010 and the actions taken were:
* The municipality bought a high pressure jet unit to clean sewer pipelines and sewer manholes.
* The municipality established a team that will conduct preventative maintenance on sewer pipelines and sewer manholes.
* The sewer manhole in Lebombo Street was cleaned on 11 May 2010.
* The instruction to enforce by-laws and the Building Regulation and Building Standards Act has been sent to the relevant sections in order to prevent the flowing of storm water into sewer pipelines.
However since then Mr De Bruin has to contact the municipality every year with the same complaint.
They then open the manhole and leave him to clean his yard.
Since this letter in 2010 the municipality has not informed him of any actions taken or plans to resolve this issue.
Mr De Bruin said the problem is a serious deviation from the National Water Services Act and the National Water Acts.
“My right to basic sanitation is disregarded.”
According to him a manhole situated in his neighbour’s driveway also overflows and the water runs down the street and flows into the storm water system and ends up in Secunda’s streams and dams, polluting these dams with sewage as well.
“How much pollution is enough before the municipality takes action?” asked Mr De Bruin.
“I am ashamed to live in this area.
“I cannot entertain any friends or family at my pool area anymore because of the smell, toilet paper and human excreta filling my backyard.
“The sewage flows through the wall into my neighbour’s yard as well,” said Mr De Bruin.
The Echo and Ridge Times contacted the head of Marketing and Communications of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, Mr Henry Masango, for comment, but he did not respond at the time of going to press.
