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Family lives side-by-side with raw sewage for years
According to the family, a large sewer pipe runs through the family’s yard in Buhle Park near Germiston.
Since 2004, the family claims that frequent blockages in the pipe have sent raw sewage flowing into the yard surrounding their brown brick home. Now, mum Lydia Chaba says she wants the pipe moved.
“I have been reporting the matter since 2004,” said mum Lydia Chaba. “Now, it’s 2014 and still my yard is full of waste.”
“I have kids and the youngest is 2 years old,” she told OurHealth. “I always have to watch where they play because the yard is full of waste water.”
The strong stench coming from the pooling water keeps the Chabas’ windows closed. The pooling water has also made it difficult for the couple to run their regular support group in the yard. Although the support group originally catered for people living with HIV, it now includes TB patients as well as people living with cancer.
“We have people living with different diseases who come to our support group for help, but how do we help them in this unhealthy yard?” Chaba asked.
Tikoane said that he has also reported the matter to local Ward Councillor Khosi Maluleke.
“She said it’s on the budget but even now we are still living in this smell,” Tikoane added. “We can’t even open the windows.”
OurHealth went to the Ekurhuleni Customer Care Centre in Germiston to report the issue. Siphiwe Dube, a project managed with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipal Department of Water and Sanitation promised to attend to the matter no later than 7 October.
According to the Chaba family, the problem remained unsolved as of 10 October.
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