The potholed road towards Bergenheim Flats, is atrocious and the care that residents take to keep their units ship-shape, is in stark contrast to a massive sewage problem.
Mr Johan Storm, a trustee, was prepared to divulge their problem to the Standerton Advertiser on Thursday, October 21.
This has been going on since 2018.
Residents of Bergenheim Flats and their neighbours, Gardens Flats, are sitting on top of a ‘spruit’ with raw sewage flowing all the way from Gert Sibande College.
The main drain line is broken and this water flows to the golf course on its way to the Vaal River.
Mr Storm reported the problem to a councillor via email on October 9 at 9:59, 2018.
He emphatically stated that exposure to raw sewage can result in severe illnesses and the stench, especially when the wind is blowing, has to be taken into consideration.
“Residents are forced to close all doors and windows because of the smell,” he said.
One resident who wishes to remain anonymous, said she has to use an asthma pump in certain conditions since their bedroom window is directly opposite the source.
In the first of Mr Storm’s emails, he pointed out that sewage can be hazardous to the environment and that bacteria in human waste, such as Ecoli, can infect the water.
The newspaper is also in possession of a copy of an email to the Lekwa Municipality on May 7 last year at 15:28.
The email was sent to jkubheka@lekwalm.gov.za with a request for urgent assistance.
Mr Storm is no slouch when dealing with admin and has kept records of all his correspondence.
In an email to mmphuti@lekwalm.gov.za this year of September 28 at 10:14, the appeal for assistance is once again repeated.
No replies were forthcoming on either pleas for help.
According to Mr Storm, he spoke to an official of Lekwa on October 6 and was referred to another official.
The Standerton Advertiser has the names of the two employees.
A promise was made to investigate the matter, sending someone to the flats.
“Nobody pitched up,” Mr Storm said.
The main line at the college is blocked and sanitary products and wet wipes also find its way to the flats.
“The sewage then blocks the toilets,” he added.
The line from Pick n Pay at the Junxion Centre is blocked and sewage water from the stream near Laerskool Jeugkrag plays a role.
Mr Storm had to contact plumbers 11 times last year and the tally for this year stands at at least four or five.
“The situation worsens in winter when more fatty residue is thrown in drains,” he concluded.
“We have tried everything to solve the problem.
“The line needs to be entirely repaired.”
The Standerton Advertiser sent a WhatsApp-message to the communications manager of the municipality, Ms Thobeka Mtshiselwa, on Friday October 22, outlining the problem.
Feedback in this regard will be published once it is received.
