Unbearable smell concerns residents of Fawnleas of Court in South Hills
According to residents, the unbearable smell comes from a sewage leak which has been present for several months.
THE horrible smell of sewage, where tissue paper and faeces are clearly visible, is creating all sorts of concerns for residents of Fawnleas of Court in South Hills.
According to residents, the unbearable smell comes from a sewage leak which has been present for several months.
Residents demand an urgent solution because the leakage is creating a health hazard.
Given Makhubedu, one of the residents, said children’s lives are at risk. He was really disturbed when he saw two boys playing near the sewage.
“Anything can happen to these children if the leak is not fixed. We need a permanent solution because they always come and fix this, but after a few weeks the problem arises again,” explained Makhubedu.
Right next to the smelly stream is a tuck shop which is losing customers because of the filth and smell next to it.
Residents said they logged several calls to Joburg Water and they have been promised the matter will be attended to. One of the reference numbers provided to the COURIER is 402157683.
Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame said she knows about the problem and it has been reported to the area manager, Mr Smith.
The COURIER tried reaching out to Smith for comment, but he wasn’t available.
Joburg Water communications and marketing manager Isaac Dludhlu said he will contact their depot responsible for the area to find out what’s going on.
The COURIER will keep readers updated with any developments on the story.
Exposure to sewage poses health risks
According to SI Restoration’s website, three main health risks are present due to the effects of sewage exposure: viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Viruses
Multiple viruses, such as rotavirus, adenovirus and Norwalk virus, can cause gastroenteritis.
Commonly mistaken as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is not accompanied by head and body aches like with the traditional influenza. Gastroenteritis can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting.
Bacteria
Campylobacter can cause campylobacteriosis. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can become blood borne, causing life-threatening infection. Campylobacterisosis can also cause bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting.
Parasites
This can create cramping and a slight fever.
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