Constant raw sewage spillages flooding streets and houses have forced some residents to abandon their homes in parts of ward 8 in Grasslands 2, Bloemfontein.
Those who have left, say they could no longer put their lives and that of their children on the line.
Residents who have no other option have risked their health by staying – enduring the discomfort of inhaling the unpleasant odour of stagnant sewage water.
Distressed residents told Expressthat they go to sleep with, and wake up to, the unbearable stench.
The green residue caused by stagnant sewage could surely be mistaken for grass in some people’s yards.
Some residents wear gumboots in order to go about their business, walking through the sewage that repeatedly floods their yards and streets alike.
According to residents, the problem of the frequent blockage of sewer pipes worsened late in 2020. It had reportedly initially begun a few months after a sewer pipeline project was completed in 2019.
Residents say they are accustomed to seeing raw sewage bubbling up out of manholes, flowing unabated in the streets and flooding their yards.
Residents Elizabeth Mophiring (69), Gallie Hoorniet (61) and Moeketsi Mpholoana (39) are despondent, as they say the project meant to improve their lives has brought them disaster instead.
Pools of stagnant sewage water stretch over a distance of about 100 m in the street they live in, and the street is only accessible on foot – while wearing gumboots.
“I am trapped in poo, and subjected to live like a pig. My house is flooded with wastewater seeping from beneath the ground surface,” says Mophiring.
“The sewer pipeline has brought me health issues and tragedy instead of a better life. My grandchild died because of TB related conditions. I was diagnosed with lung infection. Add to this skin infection and arthritis.”
Mpholoana expresses dismay.
“We are helpless and frustrated. Our situation worsens by the day, with failure and neglect by officials of the municipality to respond, despite us residents reporting the issue several times.”
The situation persists even after Mxolisi Siyonzana, mayor of the Mangaung Metro, visited the area to see how the sewage problem has affected people.
Julia Nyaphudi, councillor of ward 8, attests to the situation.
“It is a disaster for people, and degrades their dignity.”
She also confirmed that the issue had been reported to municipal officials.
- See the video on the Facebook page Express-news.
- In spite of attempts, Express was unable to get comment from the Mangaung Metro Municipality regarding the situation.
