DESPITE the measures made to address the ongoing sewage issues at the flats on Hime Street in Wentworth, some residents believe the root cause of the problem remains unresolved.

Following a week-long sewage crisis which left residents of Hime Street at their wits’ end, the sewage was drained on April 13.

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According to the residents, the storm water and sewage drains have not been replaced and repaired, leaving the flats at risk of being flooded again.

Resident Sharadine Sauls said the recent sewage spill, which left flat dwellers pleading for assistance, was a clear sign of underlying issues linked to the ageing sewerage systems.

“They have drained the sewage, however, we cannot say the problem has been resolved because the storm water and sewage drains have not been fixed. When it is raining the flats are flooded and we are forced to walk on makeshift bricks just to get in or out of our houses. This is degrading.

“Residents of Hime Street have been appealing to authorities to repair the ageing infrastructure, but no one responded when we first raised our concerns – until the recent sewage spill occurred,” said Sauls.

According to Sauls the continuous rainfall has caused yet another flooding due to the blockages in the drainage systems.

A block of flats on Hime Street was waterlogged from April 8, after a municipal service payloader accidentally damaged a sewage drain.

The incident triggered widespread flooding throughout the block of flats. The residents are now demanding that authorities come up with long-lasting solutions.

Another resident, Jose Cavanagh, echoed Sauls’ sentiments.

“Residents have been neglected and left to suffer due to the failure of those responsible for the maintenance of these flats,” he said.

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eThekwini Water and Sanitation unit had been working on draining sewage throughout the weekend.

Environmental health officer Desmond D’sa said the team only replaced one manhole cover that was damaged.

“eThekwini Municipality are still planning to repair the remaining drains. The Area Based Management team is following up on the remaining work still to be done,” said D’sa.

Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman also attributed the sewage issues to the ageing municipal sewerage systems.
“Human Settlements Department have been informed of the ageing sewer infrastructure. The department needs to replace the system, however, the time frames have not been given yet.

“Refurbishment of the flats will start soon. It will include replacing of the ageing infrastructure as discussed in a meeting held by the provincial steering committee regarding the refurbishment,” said Snyman.

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