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February 2020
RESIDENTS TIRED
of overflowing by Denzil Africa Stinking raw sewage flows through the streets of Delft making it unbearable and unbreathable for residents. Despite the claims from Superintendent Fuad Amoor (Water and Sanitation Depot in Delft) that their department responds to complaints within 15/30 minutes. Residents say “The sewage flows for days in our streets before the department ever arrives”. Jacqueline Davis a resident says “We as the community are tired of contending with poor hygienic conditions and lack of sanitation”. Right next to the stinking flow of sewage and faecal matter, lives Averill Lillian September. Averill has been living in Delft for more than 19 years, she said I’ve made so many calls to the department asking them to fix the problem but up to now the sewage still flows every other day. She said the stench is unbearable especially when the sewage and the faecal matter dries up and just lies there. Superintendent Fuad said the city has given tenders to private contractors, who are cleaning the pipes and the sewage system using Jet and Block machines. He said the main contributors to sewage overflow are vandalism to city property. Residents throw all kinds of waste in the drainage system and this causes a blockage and overflow of sewage said Fuad. Old fish oil, nappies, tampons/pads, sheep heads, old clothes, condoms, food particles, old pots and pans he said we even found a mattress and part of a lawnmower in the drains and pipes. The breakdown pumps and pipes is an everyday reality for the residents of Delft. Residents said the seeping sewage is making our homes unliveable our children are exposed to harmful germs and bacteria because of the run down sewage system. For years we had to endure jumping on rocks and cardboards finding our way through the stink, we have been stripped from our dignity and self-respect said, Deon Ngono. Counsellor Courtney Van Wyk (Delft) said over the past few years the population of Delft has doubled. The City cannot keep up with this fast growing area; as such routine sewage maintenance remains unresolved for many sections in Delft. Residents said the municipalities have failed to address the challenges of sewage flowing freely in the
SEWER
streets of Delft. Many towns and townships in South Africa have been engulfed by raw stinking sewage. In his report the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Zweli Mkhize , said at least 55 municipalities are distressed or dysfunctional. The Minister claimed to despatch technical experts to provide support to municipalities in their core functions. For many South Africans the tragic reality is that, 31% of municipalities are disfuntional; 31% are almost dysfunctional only 7% of municipalities were functioning well and 31% were reasonably functioning. Despite the serious environmental and health concerns municipalities still claim they have the sewage overflow under control. The South African government has pledged to provide clean water and sanitation to all by the year 2030. The City appeals to all residents to work together in identifying culprits responsible for the vandalism, so that they face the full wrath of the law. For any complaints contact: Water and Sanitation: 0860 103 089 Whatsapp: 063 407 3699
Vandalism: Page 5