Sewage crisis sparks outcry: Residents demand probe into eThekwini’s infrastructure decay

RESIDENTS in Merebank and surrounding suburbs demand an inquiry into the deplorable condition of eThekwini’s deteriorating sewage infrastructure.

Also read: Improper disposal of nappies causes sewage overflows – Ward 66 councillor

Sewage woes persist in Merebank and adjacent areas despite numerous grievances lodged with the eThekwini Municipality.

Ashwin Maniram, enduring the noxious stench for six months, said his persistent efforts to alert the municipality’s engineering department, via emails and WhatsApp messages, to address the ruptured sewerage pipe, have elicited futile responses and perpetual redirection to different officials.

“We are fighting a losing battle because every time we report to the very officials responsible for fixing sewerage infrastructure, we are being rerouted to another official. The foul sewage smell permeating from the main sewerage line is unbearable,” he said.

Also read: Merebank residents frustrated over continuous sewage overflow

Prega Francis recounts how the municipal teams’ fleeting visit to Ray Mahal Road failed to rectify the issue, leaving residents feeling marginalised and unheard.

“Instead of fixing the broken pipe, they came and left within a few minutes without doing anything. We feel neglected because every time the matter is reported to the officials, we do not receive positive feedback, besides being fed the same line that the municipality will look at the matter.

“We now call on the senior engineers within the eThekwini Municipality to come and see what is happening,” said Francis.

The community urges senior engineers from eThekwini to witness first-hand the dire situation. eThekwini Municipality was not available to comment at the time of publishing this article.

However, Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman said the persistent sewer blockages in Raj Mahal have plagued residents and surrounding areas for an extended period.

“As both the ward councillor and a ward committee team member, we have consistently advocated for the diligent maintenance of sewer pump stations and the replacement of aging infrastructure, however, our pleas have been disregarded. Despite highlighting the deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate service maintenance responsible for the sewer blockages in Ward 68, senior management at EWS municipality dismissively cites budget constraints, while the sewer infrastructure continues to crumble,” said Snyman.

He said the current sewer infrastructure is over 65 years old. “Apart from that, the community has grown, and this is expected when there is a lack of maintenance which is definitely unacceptable. The municipality should become more active in replacing its aging infrastructure than being reactive to avoid further challenges of sewer blockages. We are continuously applying pressure on EWS to address these sewer blockages in Ward 68 , which is Merebank, Merewent, Austerville and part of Jacobs,” Snyman added.

To report sewage blockages, members of the public can contact the call centre on 080 131 3013, the toll-free number on 080 311 1111 or use the eThekwini Water and Sanitation WhatsApp number on 073 1483 477.

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