Desperate residents of Escolar Place in Newlands East are sounding the alarm once again as a dangerous and worsening landslide continues to threaten homes—amid growing frustration over the lack of meaningful intervention from the eThekwini Municipality.
The issue, which began during the devastating April 2022 floods, has not only displaced soil and damaged infrastructure, but is now causing structural damage to homes. At least one property on Escolar Place is teetering on the brink of collapse. Another homeowner says the land behind his property has been sliding continuously with each heavy rainfall, damaging sewer and stormwater lines—some of which had already been repaired at personal cost after the initial flood.
Raw sewage now flows into the open land behind the property, creating a persistent stench and posing a severe health hazard. “We’re forced to keep our windows and doors closed on hot or windy days because the sewer smell is unbearable,” the resident said. “This is not just a safety issue—it’s a public health crisis.”
On a recent site visit, members of the Democratic Alliance’s Durban Caucus, led by Ward 11 Councillor Alan Peterson, met with three affected homeowners to assess the scale of the damage. Councillor Peterson confirmed that he has been in ongoing communication with eThekwini officials, demanding answers on how the land was ever approved for residential development in the first place, given the absence of proper stormwater infrastructure.
“There is no stormwater system in place. I have asked the municipality how this was approved in the first place. Come summer season, with more rain on the way, we’re looking at even more damage if nothing is done. A lot of work is needed to stabilise the land and properly service the area,” Peterson said.
One resident stated that there was once a functioning sewer line behind the homes, but it was destroyed during the floods and has not been repaired since. Another homeowner, whose property is now dangerously unstable, said municipal contractors had arrived on site months ago but carried out work that seemed haphazard and ultimately unhelpful. “They were digging for over a month, but no one could tell us what they were actually doing. Then they left.”
He also expressed frustration over plans to install gabions in the front of the properties, rather than the back where the land is shifting. “It made no sense. The real threat is behind our yards, not in front. Then they just packed up and abandoned the site,” he said. His house is now collapsing and, according to engineers, cannot be salvaged. “This has cost me a fortune, and now my insurance says they won’t cover it because it’s due to ground movement. I am left with no option but to take legal action against eThekwini for negligence.”
Councillor Peterson acknowledged the complexity of the situation and confirmed that Ward 11 is among the areas most severely affected by sewer-related pollution entering local streams and eventually the ocean. He reiterated that the responsibility for fixing the problem lies squarely with the city. “Every few weeks I follow up. I’ve escalated it internally, taken the Human Settlements Department on-site, and now I’m considering involving the provincial MEC. The silence is unacceptable.”
Peterson added that while the issue dates back to the previous councillor’s term, he has taken ownership of the matter since coming into office. “This is a disaster matter, and I’ve heard that more of these are being handled at national level now. If that’s what it takes, we must push for provincial and national intervention.”
Despite several formal requests, the eThekwini Municipality has yet to provide an official comment. A spokesperson from the communications department confirmed receipt of the media query, stating that the matter is still under investigation.
For residents of Escolar Place, however, time is running out. The landslide is no longer a slow-moving inconvenience—it’s an immediate threat to homes, safety, and public health. With insurance companies refusing to pay out and municipal support slow to materialise, residents are demanding urgent and effective action before it’s too late.
