VANDERBIJLPARK – Residents of Boipatong are being forced to live in a sewer nightmare, with raw sewage flowing into their yards and turning their homes into filthy, foul-smelling traps.

For the past two weeks, residents, particularly those living near the Boipatong Police Station, have been battling an overflowing sewer that has left them struggling to access their own properties.

When Ster visited the area on Monday, tenants at one of the affected properties were virtually trapped in their yard after raw sewage flooded their entrance.

A desperate neighbor eventually came to their rescue by opening an alternative passage, allowing the tenants to get in and out of the property.

The stench was unbearable, and crane birds were spotted scavenging in the sewage-filled area.

Speaking to Ster, Sesethu Lamane said the sewage had been spilling from the drains, kitchen sink, and outside toilet.

Despite repeated attempts to get the municipality to intervene, their pleas have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

The tenants claim the situation has become unbearable, with some property owners allegedly abandoning their houses and leaving occupants to deal with the filthy conditions.

They fear the overflowing sewage could pose a serious health risk, particularly to children and other vulnerable residents who have to navigate the contaminated surroundings daily.

“I got a six-year-old who stays in this home. We are even afraid to let him go and play because where else would he play if the yard is like this,” she asked.

Asked why they brave the harsh conditions at the rented place, Lamane said she had nowhere to go.

“I don’t work, so this is the cheapest accommodation I can find in Boipatong,” she said.