VIRGINIA – Residents of Verona Road in Glen Harmony have endured five years of recurring raw sewage spills, with a collapsed sewer line allegedly causing damage to properties and municipal infrastructure while raising serious public health and environmental concerns.
Kevin Ostermeyer, a resident who has repeatedly escalated the matter to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and other authorities, says his complaints have largely gone unanswered, despite numerous attempts to secure a permanent solution.
“Never once have I received a reply to any of my emails addressed to the municipality,” Ostermeyer said.
Collapsed sewer line
According to his complaint, the problem stems from a collapsed sewer line near 3 Verona Road. The ongoing spills have reportedly caused sewage to enter residential properties, including the courtyard of the Elim Building, leaving residents exposed to foul odours and unhygienic living conditions.
Ostermeyer claims that the repeated spillages have damaged residents’ properties and surrounding road infrastructure. He also alleges that residents have become seriously ill, which he attributes to exposure to pathogens associated with untreated sewage.
He says no Matjhabeng municipal official has conducted a risk assessment in Verona Road. A Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) investigating officer from Bloemfontein reportedly inspected the area in November 2023, but the municipal water technologist assigned to accompany the official did not attend the appointment.
Ostermeyer has since appealed to the DWS and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to intervene, conduct further inspections and compel the municipality to implement a permanent repair.
Human rights affected
The problem is not limited to Verona Road.
A blocked sewer in the upper parking area of the Pick n Pay shopping centre in Glen Harmony has allegedly been spilling raw sewage since 14 July.
Ostermeyer says the spillage has made access to the shopping centre unpleasant for customers and has reportedly affected the business, with some shoppers opting to use alternative supermarkets. He also links the sewage overflow to recurring damage to the surrounding roads.
Residents have reportedly attempted to address potholes through a community forum funded by rates and taxes, but previously repaired sections have deteriorated again.
In correspondence, the SAHRC confirmed that it has taken steps to address sewage spillages in the province, including Matjhabeng.
The commission said its 2024 investigative report was being actively enforced and that it was considering a possible class action over property damage caused by sewage spillages.
Human Rights Commission promises follow-up
The commission also undertook to follow up with the municipality regarding Ostermeyer’s complaints and provide feedback once a response had been received.
Ostermeyer has requested an urgent investigation, a written action plan with deadlines, an assessment of infrastructure and property damage, and measures to prevent further spillages.
Section 24 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being.
Residents are still awaiting a lasting resolution to the long-running problem.
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