By Ntandoyenkosi Nsusha
Disgruntled Athlone Park and Kingsway residents are calling on eThekwini Municipality to fix two blocked drains that are overflowing with sewer and ‘foreign objects’ on Ipahla and Umdoni Roads. The frustrated residents said the stench coming from the clogged drains is unbearable and pose as a health risk to community members. They claim that the issue of blocked and overflowing drains has been unattended for over a year.
Ward 97 Councillor, Andre Beetge said he has engaged with the eThekwini Municipality on the matter and based on their assessment, the cause of the problem is the amount of foreign objects that are being thrown into the drainage systems.
“The foreign objects include, large amounts of pillowcases, towels, condoms and pieces of bedding sheeting which were found around the manhole. The problem will persists if the people responsible for depositing foreign objects into the drains do not stop. The pump station at Pahla Road has a continuous problem of being clogged with rags. The eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation department has been notified and we encourage residents to avoid throwing foreign objects in the drains as we are working towards resolving this issue which has a negative impact in the community,” said Cllr Beetge.
One of the residents, Sue Funcke said it’s inhumane that residents and learners from Kingsway High School have to suffer a health risk caused by sewage leaks in Amanzimtoti.
“Our children and fellow residents walk and drive pass these sewage leaks on a daily basis. It’s also worrying that the leaks move into the Amanzimtoti River and the nearby oceans. We are appealling to the community and the eThekwini Municipality to work together in reaching a consensus in order to resolve this issue,” said Funcke.
EThekwini Municipality Spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo said: “We are aware of the frustration of residents in the Kingsway area and we would like to ensure the public that we are working hard to ensure that this issue is resolved as speedily as possible.There is a back-flow from broken sewer pump station that was damaged during the April floods. We are waiting for equipment which is being shipped from abroad and anticipate having it this week.”
To report water leaks and burst pipes contact eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Department on 0801313013 or call Ward 97 Councillor, Andre Beetge
