Sewage causes havoc

MARAPONG – Margaret Setuki (53), a resident in Alfred Nzo street, says that sewage has been seeping into her yard since last Sunday. 

“The Lephalale municipality started to pump sewage from a pipeline the area on Sunday and since then it has been almost unbearable living in my house”
A municipal worker said that they were given instruction to pump the sewage from the pipeline into an open field behind Setuki’s house because the system was too full.
Setuki says that there are four adults and five young children living with her. “I am worried about the health of the kids because the sewage is covering my entire back yard and the stench is unbearable.”
Francine Setuki (30) is also living on the premises with her 10-month old baby (see photo). “I am disgusted by the sewage and the municipality's lack of intervention.”
Stephen Manamela, the DA councilor living in the area, says it is inhumane to let people live in such conditions. “It is unacceptable to allow municipal workers to pump sewage into an area that is so close to residential houses.”
After queries from Northern News, the municipality says that a standby team was called out on Sunday to unblock a pipe leading to the sewage plant in Marapong. It was found that the line was blocked and immediate action needed to be taken to prevent
sewage from back-flowing into homes.
According to the municipality, by draining the pump the team managed to unblock the pipe and restore the flow of sewage in the area. They are investigating the incident and have sent out a team to clean the area, including Setuki’s home.
The municipality requests residents to refrain from flushing hair pieces, diapers, sanitary towels, condoms, cloth and other items down their toilets and drains. It is not advisable to sweep dirt and sand into man holes as foreign objects block pipes and cause damage to the sewage system in general.
Community members are advised to report matters like these to the municipality, their ward councilors or ward committee members. Blockages can be reported to 082 306 9446.