MEC’s emotional memorial - Page 4
R1-20/FREE
2016
8 July
DISGUSTING!
Catherine Maswanganye explains how they are affected by the overflowing sewer, while neighbour Selaelo Kubuzi blocks her nose to survive the unbearable smell. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane Residents of Jay Naidoo Street at Modimolle are being tormented by an overflowing sewer, and are demanding that the issue be given urgent attention. According to residents, the situation remains the same even after notifying the Modimolle Local Municipality. Parents fear the health hazards they might encounter due to this situation, and they are afraid that their children might fall into the sewer since it is partially open. Catherine Maswanganye, who is one of the residents of Phagameng’s Jay Naidoo Street, told The BEAT that they cannot
enjoy sitting outside without being disturbed by the unbearable smell coming from the sewer. Maswanganye told The BEAT that she lives with her four children and three grandchildren, who are also affected by the conditions on a daily basis. “This situation is affecting us negatively, and we are afraid that one day innocent children might fall into the sewer. The sewer lid is partly open, and that puts the lives of our children at great risk,” she said. Another local resident Selaelo Kubuzi also expressed concern over this situation, indicating that the safety of their children is not guaranteed as long as the issue
remains unsolved. Kubuzi said that the municipality had previously attended to the matter, but added that the problems are recurrent even after the situation was attended to. “This situation affects the whole neighbourhood. As parents and residents of Modimolle, we feel that it is our responsibility to report the matter as it affects all of us. We are hoping that the municipality will give us constant updates, so we can remain assured that they are attending to this matter,” she said. Modimolle Local Municipality spokesperson Patrick Shika told The BEAT on Monday 4 July that it seems as
though there are solid objects in the system, which made it difficult for the technicians to unblock it. “There have been constant blockages in that area. We have tried everything we can to fix the situation, but the problem recurs after some time. Under normal circumstances, it doesn’t take much time to fix a blocked sewer. We have determined that this situation needs much attention, and that is why we have decided to procure a Sewer Combination Jet to clean the entire system at that portion of Phagameng,” Shika said. Shika said that the Sewer Combination Jet was expected to start working on the site during the week.