THE canal near the Esikhaleni residents’ homes is a cesspool and residents have vowed to put the blame on the uMhlathuze Municipal should they fall ill.
The canal, situated a few metres away from the hardware store, has not been maintained for a long time now, leaving those living close-by at high risk of getting infected with illnesses like malaria, diarrhea and others.
The people in more than five houses are especially in danger as they live just five metres away from the canal. This reporter noticed it was littered with garbage such as fish tins, plastic bags, buckets and broken bottles.
Shockingly was that the fact that the canal has not been fenced posing a danger to children.
However, part of the canal which is closer to the road and the bridge has been cleared, while the area closer to the houses was left with its tall grass, resulting in a water-logged cesspool.
The residents, when asked for comment, blasted the municipality for its neglect. They are impatient at the pace at which the municipality works when it comes to attending to community issues.
‘We did report the issue to the municipal office sometime back and they promised to solve it, but till today nothing has been done,’ said one resident who asked to remain anonymous.
‘I think the mayor should also look into the issue of fencing the canal because it is close to our houses and dangerous for our children. As you can see for yourself it is littered with broken bottles,’ cried one resident. The canal is also problematic during rainy days as it would flood their yards and even their houses.
They also challenged the municipality to declare such canals as environmental hazards. The residents resolved to send a representative to report the matter to the municipality for the umpteenth time.
