A Croftdene family says they have been left living in “dangerous and unbearable conditions” after the eThekwini Municipality excavation work at their home was allegedly abandoned mid-project, leaving their property damaged and exposed.
The complaints centre on a property at 73 Democrats Street, where resident Samantha Kuppan says her family’s ordeal began after municipal teams arrived to investigate sewage problems in the house next to hers.
According to Kuppan, municipal workers asked to check the pipe that runs through her home, she allowed them to and the workers proceeded to excavate the yard. However, the work allegedly escalated far beyond what was initially explained, with large sections of the backyard dug up and left exposed.
Kuppan claims the site was then abandoned for extended periods, during which exposed trenches, damaged pipes, and sewage-related contamination created what she describes as “serious health and safety risks” for her family.
The family alleges that a second municipal team later attended the property and carried out additional excavation work after reportedly indicating that the first team may have worked in the wrong location.
Kuppan further alleges that infrastructure was damaged during the process and that no meaningful restoration was completed afterwards, including a pothole in her kitchen. She is afraid that it could be an indication of a structural damage.
“We were left with open holes, broken pipes, and sewage in our yard. It became unsafe to even use our own backyard,” she said.
She claims conflicting explanations were later provided by municipal officials regarding whether the infrastructure involved was stormwater or sewage-related. Despite repeated follow-ups and complaints, Kuppan says she was continuously redirected between departments without resolution.
Inside the home, she alleges secondary damage followed, including cracked tiles, damaged plumbing, and worsening structural issues linked to the disturbed ground.
Kuppan said the situation has caused severe emotional distress and financial strain on her household, with parts of the property still not properly restored.
In response to media enquiries, eThekwini Municipality confirmed the matter is receiving attention.
Media Relations Officer Luthando Ngubane said the City is currently gathering information from relevant departments.
“Please be advised that the City is still in the process of collating the necessary information from the relevant department. The matter is receiving attention, and a comprehensive response will be provided as soon as the information becomes available,” he said.
The City added that updates will be provided once all relevant information has been compiled.
For now, Kuppan says her family remains trapped in uncertainty, with no confirmed timeline for repairs or clarity on accountability.
“We just want our home fixed and the truth about what happened,” she said.
