UNIONDALE NEWS - Blockages in the sewerage system are causing enormous problems for a home owner in Uniondale. For the past five years Aldin Ruiters and his family have time and again had to put up with raw sewage seeping into their home in Castle Street. At one stage his mom had to stay in a school hostel while the problem was being addressed.
Last week he received a call from neighbours about a bad smell coming from the house, only to discover the house yet again drenched in sewage.
According to Johann du Preez, senior municipal manager of the Uniondale and Haarlem area, blockages are caused by the public throwing rubbish down sewerage manholes. "This is a common problem experienced in all areas of George," said Du Preez.
A Civil Engineering Services team had to work for hours on the public holiday last week Tuesday, 16 June, to clear the sewerage line of the rubbish that caused the overflow at the complainant's house. "Unfortunately this is the first house in that specific sewerage line and when there is a blockage the sewage pushes up. Civil Engineering Services will investigate a more permanent solution to this issue, but this is dependent on available budget," said Du Preez.
A house in Uniondale was drenched in sewage last week for the umpteenth time, due to a blockage in the sewerage line.
Wrong stuff
George Municipality has repeatedly requested the public not to drop junk and rubbish in drains.
One of the main causes of blocked drains and sewage spills is that people flush all kinds of unsuitable items down toilets, including nappies, sanitary pads, tampons, newspaper, fabric, fatty food and fat.
Items that municipal staff have to remove from manholes on an ongoing basis include branches, tyres, rocks and other solid items. The culprits are believed to be mainly children up to mischief. The municipality appeals to communities not to flush unsuitable items down the toilet, and to prevent people from throwing matter down manholes.
Report sewerage complaints in Uniondale on 044 752 1024 (office hours) and in George on 044 801 9262/66.
For after hours complaints, phone 044 801 6300.
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