Sewage problem reigns for three months

 

By Mohau Ramashidja



Thabita Tshabalala with her 8month baby points to one

 of the sewage spill which is affecting the community

 of Boikhutsong in Soshanguve.



After four months of having to live with a damaged sewage pipe; the community of Boikhutsong still find themselves having to live with the smell of a sewage odour.

 This comes after an alleged poor installation of a sewage system in the area by the Tshwane Metro.“This problem started during winter. It becomes a problem even at night because there are flies everywhere. We cannot sleep,” said a community member Thabita Tshabalala.

After their unsuccessful attempts of trying to get in contact with the Tshwane Metro; the community in the area feels neglected by it. “We have been calling for assistance but still there is no help granted to us,” said Tsabalala’s son Bobo. 

A mother of three Elsie Molea who is also negatively affected by the sewage spill said the sewage odour has caused her new born to be constantly sick.“This sewage problem affects us because our young ones are always sick,” she said.

 The situation might be more than just the new borns getting constantly sick with minor flue infections. A paediatrician in Pretoria Dr Johnny Lotter said the sewage spill would lead to the newborns getting exposed to diseases because of their weak immune system. “A sewage spill contains lots of bacteria and viruses that an immune system of new born baby can’t handle,” he said. 

With such a detrimental effect the sewage spill has on newborn babies, ward councillor of ward 25 Phumzile Hlatshwayo apologised for the dysfunctional sewage system. And though the Tshwane Metro was not availabel for comment the ward councillor assured the community that the situation would improve for the better. “On behalf the Tshwane metro we are very sorry and we will monitor the situation from time to time,” He said.