The stormwater channel running through the terrain of the Bayswater Retirement Village in Bayswater, is filled with standing sewage and litter.

The problem stems from bushes growing in the channel, blocking the flow of water. Combined with sewage running into the channel and a continued flow of litter, a thick layer of dirty, green sludge emits an appalling stench.

Sheila Addison, a resident of the housing complex for older adults, says this is a continuous problem and the horrid smells affects especially those living next to the channel.

Selmé Pretorius, DA councillor for Bayswater, says the vegetation and stagnant wastewater has been a problem from as early as 2017.

“The municipality should clean the stormwater channel to improve the flow of water, but also fix the sewerage pipes running into the channel. We have been battling this for many years,” she said.

“This is supposed to be a stormwater channel.”

Addison says not even heavy rainfall gets rid of the sewage and the accompanying waste because of the vegetation that prevents everything from flowing away.

Not only is the stench a problem, but in summer flies at the retirement village can cause serious illness.

There is also a children’s playground right next to the channel, presenting a serious danger because there is no fence next to the channel.