Sewage crisis: Community cries out for urgent action
The blocked stormwater drain has caused raw sewage to flow onto the street, creating an eyesore and a health hazard, particularly for children who play in the area.
Residents of Mount Zeil Place in Extension 4, Lenasia South, are expressing outrage over a persistent sewage problem that has plagued their community for years.
The blocked stormwater drain has caused raw sewage to flow onto the street, creating an eyesore and a health hazard, particularly for children who play in the area.
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The issue has led to concerns about the safety and well-being of residents, especially during rainy seasons when the problem escalates.
According to residents, the sewage issue is a result of a blocked stormwater drain that has been neglected for years. Various members of the community, including representatives from Lenasia South’s Community Policing Forum (CPF) Sector 2, have been logging complaints with the authorities, but their efforts have been met with silence.
“The situation is unacceptable, I am gatvol. Our children are forced to step on stones to cross over the sewage to get to school, and it’s a major concern for us. Some of our kids attend schools like Willowmead and Kiasha Park, and they have to navigate through this hazardous situation daily,” said Taahira Hartley of the CPF Sector 2.
The sewage issue is not only affecting residents but also local businesses. A tuck shop owner on Mount Zeil Place expressed frustration, saying the sewage issue is impacting their business. “The sewage level becomes intensely high when it rains, hindering my customers from entering the shop. They have to jump on bricks to get in, and it’s not ideal,” they said.
Adding to the problem is a nearby crossing point on Himalaya Road, where long reeds and flowing water (stream) make it difficult for residents to cross, especially during rainy seasons. Residents are forced to step on bricks and rocks to navigate the area, posing a risk to their safety. CPF members report having to rescue two elderly women who fell in the sewage at this crossing point.
The community is calling for urgent action to resolve the issue.
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The Lenasia Rising Sun has reported the matter to Johannesburg Water, and the entity stated that they will provide a response within their standard turnaround time, depending on the complexity of the matter and the input required from relevant technical departments.
The community hopes that highlighting this issue will prompt the authorities to take swift action to address the problem and restore dignity to the residents of Mount Zeil Place.
