Alberton Record
Toxic nightmare: family trapped in sewage-infested home
Residents of Suburb Endure Sewage Crisis
For more than two weeks, Derick van Berg and his family have been grappling with a sewage overflow issue that has permeated their property, posing risks to the health and well-being of his elderly parents.
The problem originated on September 10 when a sewage blockage at a neighbouring residence led to the flooding of Van Berg’s yard.
Despite lodging a complaint with the municipality on September 14 and obtaining a reference number, the matter remains unresolved. Numerous calls to the call centre have only resulted in mounting frustration.
“Both my parents, aged 65, are suffering from the foul odour and unsanitary conditions. We are confined to our residence, compelled to keep windows and doors shut to mitigate the odour,” shared Van Berg.
Similarly, Marius Horn, the property owner where the sewage pipes ruptured, has been in a protracted struggle with the municipality for assistance.
“I have made daily visits to the sewage department over the past two weeks, yet no assistance has materialized. My backyard is submerged, with sewage now encroaching upon my children’s bedroom window,” expressed Horn.
According to Van Berg, despite sending multiple WhatsApp messages to Ward 38 Clr Thavha Maifala-Masebe outlining the dire circumstances, the only response received was an automated message detailing the standard protocol for addressing residents’ issues.
Both Van Berg and Horn emphasize the need for tangible action rather than mere words.
The Van Berg family, who have resided on the property for four decades, had never encountered such a predicament before.
In recent correspondence between Van Berg and the municipality, a municipal truck team was scheduled to visit Van Berg’s residence on October 2 but failed to show up. On the other hand, the municipality informed Horn that the truck team would be attending to his property on October 3.
When contacted by the Alberton Record, Maifala-Masebe stated, “As per my standard procedure, all resident concerns are promptly forwarded to the relevant departments upon receipt. Every message I receive warrants a response or guidance on the reporting process through my office.”
He added, “I always request residents to provide a summary of the issue, the date or time of reporting, the specific address, and a complete reference number as provided by the call centre. Should residents remain unaided, they are encouraged to share full details via email until their concerns are addressed.”
As the situation escalates, the Van Berg family and their neighbours are left questioning the duration of their endurance amidst the ongoing sewage crisis.
