Residents of Stinkwater near Hammanskraal in the north of Pretoria are living in dire conditions as the streets are overflowing with excreta and wastewater due to clogged manholes. The municipality has been accused of negligence as residents claim that their complaints are not being addressed.
Lazarus Matjebe, a long-time resident of the area, expressed frustration at the lack of response from the municipality. Despite reporting the leaking sewage on a daily basis, residents are given the runaround and no concrete action is taken. Matjebe highlighted the health and safety concerns for children who play in the streets near the hazardous waste. He also mentioned the infestation of mosquitoes in the area due to the stagnant water.
Sarah Rhibombo, another community member, shared her feelings of helplessness as an overflowing manhole in front of her yard has not been adequately fixed by municipal plumbers. She expressed concern for her children who often play near the contaminated water, risking their health and safety.
The environmental and health hazards posed by the wastewater entering water bodies were highlighted by Charl Deacon, a post-doctoral research fellow at Stellenbosch University. He explained that pollution in water bodies can have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and can lead to an increase in nuisance insects like mosquitoes and flies. Deacon emphasized the slow recovery process towards restoring the natural state of the environment once it has been polluted.
In response to the situation, City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo stated that a team is dispatched to remove blockages whenever reported. However, the sewer spillages in the Stinkwater RDP area are primarily caused by a non-operational sewer pump station due to vandalism. Additionally, blockages occur during heavy rains when stormwater overloads the system.
The residents of Stinkwater continue to endure unsanitary conditions and health risks due to the negligence of the municipality. Urgent action is needed to address the sewage leaks and prevent further environmental and health hazards in the area.
