Blocked drains cause a stink

A blocked drain overflows at a house in Harrier Street, in Phumlani.

Blocked drains in Harrier Street, in Phumlani are a health hazard, say residents.

The problem has persisted for three months despite pleas to the City to clear the blockages, they say.

Aphiwe Simawu, one of the residents who lives in Harrier Street, said she had lodged a complaint with the City in August.

“They came to fix the drain in the road, but our drains on our properties are still blocked,” she said.

City spokesman Luthando Tyhalibongo said the City cleared the Harrier Street drains as soon as blockages were reported.

“However, blockages will reoccur as long as inappropriate items are flushed, poured and dumped into the sewerage system. A team will be dispatched to clear this blockage as soon as possible.”

Rags, newspaper, sanitary pads, nappies, wet wipes, rubble, fats and oils were common causes of blockages, he said, adding that it was illegal for anything other than human waste, toilet paper and grey water to go into municipal sewers.

Visit www.capetown.gov.za/servicerequests, email water@capetown.gov.za, SMS 31373, call 0860 103 089 or go to a municipal office to report blockages.