An unbearable stench of sewage streaming in the field is what residents and businesses have to deal with in Auckland and Rotterdam streets.
The sewerage pump station is located on the R546.
What is of great concern is the health hazard the running sewer poses not only to the residents, but to bird and animal life that graze in the field and drink from where the sewage runs into the stream in the field.
Upon investigation and speaking to residents in the area, one resident, who wished to remain anonymous said,
“The smell is unbearable. My children cannot even play outside because of that.”
The resident said that even consuming meals is nauseating.
“I used to clean my garden myself, but because of the stench, I can’t be outside,” said the resident.
He mentioned that the daily task of hanging washing is a hassle.
“Even when my wife hangs up the washing, the clothes come off the line smelling like sewage. It is terrible when the wind blows. The smell is even more unbearable.”
What is of great concern for the resident is that he will never be able to sell his home if a buyer sees what the surrounding area’s conditions are.
ALSO READ: The hell of Lekwa’s homeless in winter
“I pay my property rates and taxes, everything goes up, but our service delivery standards by the municipality keep lowering,” said the resident.
GMM’s head of communications, Donald Green responded to the Ridge Times.
“The complaint has been sent to the relevant department to attend and investigate the matter. We are waiting for the report from our team regarding the cause of spillages in the area,” said Green.
He further urged residents to report such incidents immediately.
“Reporting service interruptions such as sewage spillage improve the response by the municipality. It also assists us as the municipality to maintain the dignity of residents,” said Green.
To report service interruptions, including sewage spillages, contact the municipality call centre on 0800 6000 01/2/4 or send a WhatsApp message to 083 790 0659 or 082 343 2422.
