Tsakani’s Maswazini residents battle year-long sewer nightmare

Tsakani – The community members of Ward 83, Maswazini section in Tsakani, have battled with a sewage blockage since last year.

Many have said the situation is distressful, with leakage in their yards, on the street and inside their homes. They are frustrated by constantly raising that the issue is a health hazard while alluding that they are frequently cannot use their outside toilets.

“The water does not only affect us outside. It also leaks into the house, swamping the kitchen. Municipal workers were here before, and whatever they did solved the situation for one day. We are unable to make food or eat. The situation is chaotic,” said resident Bafana Nkosi.

Nkosi added that he pleads with the municipality and ward councillor to assist them in resolving this problem. Another resident, Nompumelelo Makhubo, said the problem negatively impacts her family, hinting that she fears for her one-year-old daughter’s health.

“Our children are going to fall ill. We cannot sit inside our homes, cannot cook, and, most importantly, cannot let our children play outside freely.

“We urge our councillor to help us. Come and inspect our living conditions. Whenever we try to contact her, she only gives feedback by saying she reported the problem but never comes to address us,” said Makhubo.

Makhubo said it is part of the councillor’s responsibility to check up on the situation, ensure progress and do follow-ups when needed. Ward 83 Clr Silindokuhle Pike responded, saying she has been aware of the sewer blockage since early last year.

“Unfortunately, despite my many reports to the municipality, the problem has persisted, causing inconvenience and distress to the residents. The situation tends to worsen during the rainy season, which is why I have pushed for a more permanent solution.

“Last year around this time, I visited the area, and it was bad. The waste was inside people’s houses, in their kitchens and bedrooms.

“Our technicians have investigated and identified foreign objects in the sewer system as the primary cause of the blockages,” she explained.

The CoE also confirmed it is aware of the issue, saying breakdowns at the Ndabezitha sewer pump station and foreign objects disposed of in the system by the public caused the problem.

“Currently, the pumps are in for repairs after being damaged by foreign objects thrown into the system. We anticipate it should take two to three weeks to repair,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

Dlamini said they had informed residents about the issues many times.

“We even started a campaign called Siyakhuqulula to clear our systems and educate people about foreign objects in the systems.

“Avoid throwing foreign objects in the system because this ends up being a major challenge when the sewer spillages happen,” Dlamini added.

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