RESIDENTS in Clairwood have raised concerns about the persistent sewage blockages affecting their homes and businesses. This has also prompted the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association (CRRA) to appeal to eThekwini Municipality for immediate intervention.

Homes and businesses along Dayal Road have seen sewage water flow through the properties due to a blockage in the main sewer line, which has not been fixed for over five months.

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Spokesperson for CRRA, Ravin Brijlal, raised concerns that raw sewage is backing up into residents’ properties due to a blocked main sewage pipeline.

He criticised the contractors assigned to repair the damaged sewer infrastructure for substandard work, adding that they often dig up roads and leave open trenches unattended.

“The contractor is doing a sloppy and unacceptable job in Clairwood when called to fix blocked and broken sewer pipes. We are rate-paying residents, and we demand accountability and good workmanship. This is absolutely pathetic, and it is a serious health issue,” said Brijlal.

The association has raised concerns not only about the immediate environmental and health risks, but also the long-term impact on property values and local businesses.
“Residents have called for increased oversight of municipal contractors and a permanent solution to the recurring sewage infrastructure issues,” he said.

Brijlal urged the municipality to carefully consider the concerns raised by the community and engage in meaningful consultations.

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“Clairwood is plagued by severe service delivery issues, which are decreasing the property values. Sewage blockages that spill into people’s homes have been reported to officials, yet the sewer infrastructure is neither being repaired nor replaced. We are calling on the municipality to develop strategic plans to address these persistent sewage problems,” he added.

Ward 32 councillor Protas Mngonyama said eThekwini Municipality is actively working to address the ongoing sewage issues in Clairwood.

“Teams from stormwater have been on site replacing the old sewer pipe that caused a blockage. The community’s concerns have been addressed with the relevant departments, and the sewage issue on Dayal Road is getting the attention it deserves. We are expecting the affected area to be cleared shortly once the teams complete their job,” said Mngonyama.

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