SECUNDA – Who, why and how are the first questions that pop up when municipal workers produce the items that have been the cause of blocked drains.
Ms Mariaan Chamberlain, DA Ward councillor and constituency chairman in the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said several blocked drains were reported in Secunda last week.
These blockages caused overflowing sewer and storm water manholes.
The items found in a drain in the green strip behind houses in PDP Kruger Street, included overalls, T-shirts and even a carry bag. These seems to have been deliberately dumped in the sewer system.
The carcasses of two small dogs were found in a drain in Ext 22 on Friday, 29 March.
Ms Chamberlain said the dogs most probably fell into open manholes, as was the case of Vlekkie, a Jack Russell that survived on a ledge in a manhole for almost three weeks.
Ridge Times reported on Vlekkie’s amazing story in the edition of 15 March.
Vlekkie tumbled into an uncovered manhole in the green strip behind the Panorama complex.
Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/134436/vlekkie-oorleef-drie-weke-op-n-lysie-onder-n-mangat-secunda/
A Pekingese puppy was rescued from a stormwater drain that same week.
Elsewhere, stormwater drains were so clogged up with debris and rubbish that rain water would not be able to drain from the road.
Ms Chamberlain asked residents to refrain from dumping anything down the municipal sewer system.
“I also want to call on businesses to keep their stormwater drains clear of rubbish.”
Manhole covers are regularly stolen to be sold as scrap metal. The open manholes are a danger for society. Ms Chamberlain said residents can contact her regarding open manholes at 082 850 1567.
Mr Benzi Soko, the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said the municipality is experiencing huge financial losses due to theft of its infrastructure.
“We condemn illegal scrap metal dealers who are complicit in the buying these items.
“We urge unsuspecting dealers to examine the metals before accepting them.”
Mr Soko appealed to scrapyard owners not to purchase assets from criminals.
“Also, community members are requested to report all acts of vandalism and theft of infrastructure to the municipal Call Centre at 0800 6000 01/2/4 or report these criminal activities to police.
“Replacing those covers with ones made with non-recyclable material would be a viable option going forward,” concluded Mr Soko.
