Residents from Electric City in Eerste River say they are sick and tired of the smell caused by overflowing sewerage drains in the area.
According to residents some of the overflowing is caused by new developments in the area.
“We, the community of Electric City, have a massive problem with our drainage system. It is a problem which started years ago but it became worse with the new housing units in our close proximity. It has become an unbearable sight, and worse, it’s a health hazard more so for the children and elderly,” says resident Thandi Olayi.
According to Olayi so many calls were logged to the City of Cape Town.
“So many calls were logged with no joy, we had enough and this situation cannot continue like this. We have exhausted all options and still our streets look like a toilet,” she says.
The City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is aware of this matter.
“Progress has been delayed due to excessive rain these past two weeks. Maintenance teams are working hard to unblock the sewer lines and are also conducting mop-up operations in the area. This issue should be resolved by tomorrow (last Friday). The City regrets the inconvenience caused,” says Badroodien.
Olayi spoke to TygerBurger after the City’s staff were there on Thursday.
“The trucks came and cleaned up, but when we woke up on Friday, it was the same. Thereafter we struggled for two weeks with the stench hanging in the air, and it is clean for less than 24 hours. We want a permanent solution,” says Olayi.
She says she agrees that it is worse when it rains, but rain cannot be given as reason.
“In some peoples’ houses the sewerage comes through the toilet. You cannot even eat properly because of the smell,” she added.
