“Just because we live in a squatter camp does not mean that we need to live like this, we are also human.”
Karen Mentoor, a community leader from Overcome Heights informal settlement, says the conditions they are forced to live in are unbearable after broken drains and pipes caused an overflow of sewage to flood residents’ homes and streets.
The issue, which was reportedly brought to the attention of the City in November last year, has still not been resolved.
“The stench is unbearable and the colour of the water is green and black.
“Every time the City sends contractors they still don’t fix the problem because the drains are still broken and now the toilets are also overflowing.”
Mentoor added that the problem has worsened as toilets cannot be flushed due to broken pipes and drains.
“You can’t flush the toilets and the situation is really bad. The City sends contractors, but they don’t fix the problem.
“We are also human.”
She claims that children in the community are becoming ill with skin conditions due to the stagnant water.
“Ever since that water, the children are getting sick. This is a lot of germs, we can’t even walk past.”
Siphokazi Botoman, the mother of a six-year-old boy, said since her son played in the water he has become ill with his body covered in a rash.
“When he goes to school he walks past the water and plays in the water. He was also vomiting.”
She adds that his condition has since improved.
Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas said at the time when the issue was initially reported, an overflowing stormwater pipe and water pipe caused a blockage.
“An assessment of the affected stormwater and sewer pipes at the location in Overcome Heights was conducted, and the inspection team found that the sewer pipe was overflowing into the stormwater pipe causing a blockage.
“This is the cause of the stagnant water at the site. Leaks in the stormwater pipe were also found to be a contributing factor, along with household waste water run-off that is being deposited in the channel that runs into the stormwater intake.”
Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr says a full assessment will be done.
“I was there on Monday – the City was busy working on a short-term fix. A full assessment of the road will be done. In the meantime, we need to unblock weekly to clear the lines before the blockage results in overflows.”
