Overflowing sewage is becoming a health hazard for residents from Leandra

LEANDRA – Locals have to deal with sewage that overflows after a pipe had burst on Friday, 20 April.

They say they are unable to eat because of the stench coming from the manholes and blocked toilets.

Dried toiletpaper can be seen near the toilets and the front doors of two homes.

“The smell is intolerable and we have to ask neighbours to use their toilet due to the blockage.”

Residents reported the problem to Govan Mbeki Municipality, but were told to wait for a truck to help clear the mess.

The municipality had not attended to the problem at time of going to the press.

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People fear their food will get contaminated and that they will suffer from health issues.

When the Ridge Times visited the area, sewage was flowing into the yards of three houses with children were playing nearby.

Residents constructed make-shift pathways made of bricks and stones, however it is of little use.

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The sewage pump apparently often breaks and the problem is especially worse in the summer.

“When the sun is at its peak, the smell becomes unbearable and attracts flies and all kinds of insects,” said a resident.

“It is an overflow caused by the none functioning of the sewer pump station at Kliphuis pump station,” said Mr Bheki Khubeka from the municipality.

“The Govan Mbeki Municipality is going to address this problem through an SLP project that will refurbish the pump station and progress to date is that the designs have been finalised.”