For the past two to three years, residents of Mosega and Bard Streets have been living with an unbearable stench caused by a broken sewerage pipe situated on the outer corner of these two roads.
Due to frequent digging, this piece of road, which is adjoined by an overgrowth of weeds and grass from a wide stretch of veldt, no longer has a tar surface. This causes the soft, marshy ground to absorb the sewage water, resulting in a permanent stench.
Residents not only regard this a serious health hazard, but also a perfect breeding ground for flies, mosquitos and other pests.
“In summer, or late afternoon the smell that comes from this area is unbearable. The person closest to this corner cannot breathe due to the smell and his wife had even been hospitalised for diseases linked to the sewage water. It is not considered safe at all,” Witpoortjie Community Forum Chairperson, Fanie Phiri said.
This piece of road is currently inaccessible from both sides as the soft ground and muddy pools of sewage water only warrant those brave enough to pass.
“The pools of water are always here – even if it doesn’t rain. And when it does rain, it’s a nightmare. We’ve been fighting this war for so long, we don’t know where to turn to anymore,” he said.
Even though residents have reported the issue to various officials on countless occasions, it was resolved only temporarily each time. Residents are now making a desperate plea for help as they cannot live with the issue any longer.
Joburg Water and Ward councillor René Benjamin have been contacted for comment on the matter.
