Health risks rise as sewerage overflow affects Lotus River residents

At least six households on 2nd Avenue in Lotus River are affected by an ongoing sewerage blockage, originating from two properties, that has persisted for more than three months and is creating serious health risks for residents.

Lesley Hartzenberg said flushing toilets caused sewerage water to spill from a drain in her backyard, flooding the yard, especially when it rains.

“A municipal truck is sent regularly to suction the stagnant water, but the problem returns immediately if the truck does not arrive daily,” she said.

The issue is believed to be caused by a broken underground pipe, while the main overflow point is at two neighbouring properties.

"Ward 65 councillor Donovan Nelson visited the area in December last year, but no repairs followed,” said Ms Hartzenberg.

Ms Hartzenberg lives with young children between the ages 6 and 10, and she said the family is afraid to flush the toilet. One child was treated at a clinic for worms.

“The sewage attracts flies, maggots, and reptiles, and the smell is severe,” she said.

Mereldine Howard, a neighbour who has been liaising with the ward councillor since December 31 in an effort to resolve the ongoing sewage spill, said her 65-year-old mother has visited the doctor several times due to chest-related health problems.

She added that the family fears for their most vulnerable members should flooding occur, especially during winter when conditions are expected to worsen.

“We are very afraid for my 75-year-old aunt and the 16-month-old baby, as they are the most fragile,” Ms Howard said.

Complaints have been logged with the Lotus River authorities, but residents say no permanent solution has been provided. With hot weather and not opening their windows to avoid the smell, it is unbearable,” said Ms Howard.

Mr Nelson said the root cause of the issue is two-fold: “There is a brick blocking a sewer pipe on the property of 420, causing major blockage going towards Strandfontein Road, and there is a major collapse at 418 underneath a double-story Wendy house.”

Mr Nelson said that the matter is complicated due to infrastructure ownership issues.

“We have engaged both residents. There are some complications with both repairs. The line is on private properties, and it may seem that when the residents signed their deeds, they also took ownership of the sewer lines that service their property (separate from the City's line running in the middle of the properties on either side)."

A temporary relief measure has currently been put in place, he said.

“The trucks are relieving the line as the sewer does not run past the brick. So in the morning and at night, it would be worse, which is when everyone is using the line. So, in the morning and at night, it would be worse, which is when everyone is using the line,” said Mr Nelson.

Providing an update on the delay in resolving the issue, Mr Nelson said: “It has roughly been three months. We have requested a legal opinion to resolve the matter as the City is not permitted to work on private grounds and therefore the repair will have to be approved via a deviation.”