Marikana residents battle massive raw sewage dam
Flooded homes, foul odours and contaminated drinking water have become daily realities for Coronation.
While spring blooms across eMalahleni, residents in Coronation’s Marikana section face a severe crisis caused by a massive raw sewage dam.
Where no dam existed before in the centre of the community, raw sewage has dammed up, raising fears as the rainy season gets under way.
Blockage dates back to April 2022
The problem began in April 2022 when residents say municipal workers allegedly blocked sewer pipes during maintenance, forcing wastewater back into Marikana and flooding homes.
“This has been our daily life since then, and now it is getting worse,” said Oupa Zwane, pointing to the dam next to his yard. “Earlier this year, we had to wear gumboots just to get into the house because it was flooded.”
Another resident, Nelisiwe Shabangu, said: “We wake up to this smell. We eat next to this smell. Our children play next to this dam. Spring has sprung for other people, but for us, it’s just more flies, mosquitoes and sickness.”
Some houses have been locked and abandoned – swallowed by sewage. Those who remain say walls are cracking and floors are damp.
“My furniture is ruined and my house is damaged,” another resident said.
Drinking water next to raw sewage
Adding to the shock, a communal tap stands right next to the dam, forcing residents to fetch drinking water where sewage flows.
“The tap is right next to the dam – we drink next to sewage. We need help,” said Andries Mabuza.
The community’s plea is simple. “We want this dam gone. We want the sewer fixed. We want to live like other people this spring – not next to sewage. We need help.”
@witbanknews A massive raw sewage dam in Coronation’s Marikana section has swallowed homes, ruined furniture, and forced residents to collect drinking water right next to flowing wastewater. #Witbanknews #emalahlenitiktok #fypage #fyppp #Coronation #Sewerage ♬ original sound – Witbank News
An enquiry was sent to eMalahleni Local Municipality, but no response had been received at the time of publication.
Read more: Residents living in flooded sewerage waters
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