An overwhelming stench fills the air in Naidoo Knoll, Tongaat, as residents face sewage spilling onto the road due to backed-up stormwater drains. The flowing sewage poses serious health risks, affecting not only residents but also passers-by.
Naidoo Knoll resident Roy Pillay said the stormwater drains along the street were backed up, overflowing onto the road and spreading filth and odour. “We have elderly and children living in this community and they can’t even open the windows at home without being overwhelmed by this foul stench. This constant exposure to the flowing sewage is also a serious health risk affecting not only the residents here but also anyone passing through,” said Pillay.
In addition to the three stormwater drains along the street, four more stormwater drains in the nearby bushes are in an even worse condition. Pillay said: “In the bush, some of the stormwater drains are filled with sand, others are burst and flowing into the river, creating even more health concerns.”
Residents have been facing the issue for almost two years, attributing the problem to a nearby pump station that allegedly has not functioned in almost six years. “We have had municipal teams come through and examine the problem multiple times, each time we are told the pump station needs to be restored before the repairs can be done, yet nothing seems to ever be done about it. This has gone on for far too long; for the health and safety of residents, this issue needs to be resolved,” said Pillay.
Sewage leaks have also plagued Verulam CBD, particularly outside the Verulam Family Court, where a collapsed pipe has caused sewage to flow down the road at the building’s entrance.
Ward 106 councillor Johnson Chetty said: “We have been having this critical issue at the intersection of Court Lane and George Sewpersadh Street, of sewage pouring out from the manholes due to neglected infrastructure. This matter has been brought to the attention through the local management of ESW, a team was dispatched to conduct repairs, but it did not last, and the road is now again collapsing where it was patched. The underlying issue is the pitch fibre pipes that have collapsed underneath.”
Verulam Business Forum chairperson Sagren Venkatas expressed displeasure at the situation, saying: “In the last six months, it has gotten worse; raw sewage flows down the streets, and nothing gets done when we complain. Businesses continue to pay their bills on time despite the poor service delivery.”
The eThekwini Municipality was contacted for comment but did not respond at the time of print.
