SHARPEVILLE – Residents of Tshepiso Phase 4 are living in inhumane conditions due to the sanitation crisis plaguing Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM). Residents told Ster North that for years, they have been subjected to sewer flooding their yards due to failing infrastructure.

Speaking to this publication, Nombulelo Maduna (75) says that for the past four years, her yard has been flooded with sewer overflowing from a manhole in another neighbour’s yard. This has resulted in her entire yard being drenched in sewage.

“My house is sitting in so much water, and as a consequence, it is always cold. The smell is terrible, and we have begun getting sick. The smell gets worse at night. I have had to pay people to pour soil in my yard as a solution for the dampness.”

Residents said they have to keep their doors closed in summer due to the unbearable smell of sewage in their yards. Maduna also had to cover her drain as feces are coming out of it. She says that she alerted the Emfuleni Local Municipality about the issue.

“The municipality is aware of this issue, but they are very slow to act. They promised to move me to another area, but I’m still waiting.”

At another residence, Ntsoaki Mlotshwa said that she uses the back door because her front yard is always flooded with sewage.

“Our situation is really bad. Some people have even abandoned their properties as a result of this problem. It is worse when it’s hot because the smell is just terrible. I have a five-year-old, and I’m afraid that my child will get sick because of this situation.”

Ster North visited more households in the area where the same problem persisted. Residents said they are desperate for the municipality to find a resolution to the problem as it is affecting their quality of life.

DA mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala weighed in on the situation, citing residents in ELM are suffering due to the continued deterioration of sewer infrastructure.

Communities should not be expected to live with overflowing sewage, failing wastewater systems and conditions that undermine their health, safety and basic human dignity. Residents deserve a municipality that works for all and invests in the infrastructure needed to deliver reliable basic services.

“Residents should not have to accept sewage spills and failing infrastructure as a normal part of everyday life. Restoring functional sewer services is not a luxury; it is about restoring the dignity, health and quality of life of every resident of Emfuleni.”

Emfuleni municipality had not responded to inquiries at the time of going to press.