A SEWAGE smell and ongoing water leaks on Henley Road in Montclair are expected to become a thing of the past after eThekwini Municipality approved a rehabilitation project aimed at addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges in the area.

According to Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert the sewer line collapsed after the pipes were damaged while other municipal teams were fixing a stormwater pipe.

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Budget constraints delay repairs

For almost a year, residents in Henley Road were subjected to a strong sewage stench that could not be resolved immediately due to budgetary constraints.

Gilbert said the Henley Road issue was one of the issues brought to his attention shortly after he took over as Ward 64 councillor. He said after receiving complaints, he escalated the matter to the relevant department within eThekwini Municipality.

“I am happy to see progress made after such a long time. This project was delayed for a year, when I took over as the ward councillor it was one of the projects that was assigned to me. It took me seven months to get the departments to start working on the project,” said Gilbert.

Municipal teams are currently on site working to unblock sewer lines and remove stagnant wastewater that had accumulated along sections of the road.

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Residents complain for months

The intervention comes after months of complaints from residents who have been forced to endure unpleasant odours, leaking water and deteriorating road conditions.

Gilbert said residents have raised concerns about the impact of the sewer leak on their daily lives, saying the stagnant wastewater not only created an unbearable stench, but also posed potential health and environmental risks.

Motorists and pedestrians using the road have also expressed frustration over the worsening state of the infrastructure.

Gilbert said the municipality’s decision to rehabilitate the road followed repeated appeals from residents who had urged authorities to take action.

“The project comes after numerous complaints from residents regarding a sewer leak that had remained unattended for an extended period. The municipality has now responded by deploying teams to address the blockage and begin the rehabilitation process,” said Gilbert.

eThekwini takes action

Municipal workers have begun clearing blocked sewer lines while assessments are underway to determine the extent of the road rehabilitation work required.

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The project is expected to improve drainage, repair damaged sections of the road and restore safe access for residents and motorists.

Gilbert welcomed the intervention, describing it as a significant step towards improving service delivery in the area.

He said residents had shown patience while waiting for the matter to be addressed and expressed optimism that the rehabilitation project would provide lasting relief.

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