Raw sewage plagues Douglas man

Routine testing has revealed that local rivers are already contaminated with sewage due to poor water management, according to a 2014/5 Integrated Development Plan Review report. (File photo)
Routine testing has revealed that local rivers are already contaminated with sewage due to poor water management, according to a 2014/5 Integrated Development Plan Review report. (File photo)

According to Eiland, he has reported the issue several times to no avail.

Eiland added that his constant fear that a blocked sewer will flood his home with foul water means that he rarely feels comfortable leaving home for too long. File photo
Eiland added that his constant fear that a blocked sewer will flood his home with foul water means that he rarely feels comfortable leaving home for too long. File photo

“The sewerage spews into my home,” said the health administrator. “It is impossible to live like this.”

Eiland added that his constant fear that a blocked sewer will flood his home with foul water means that he rarely feels comfortable leaving home for too long.

His neighbour, Lena Links, has to phone Eiland every time the manhole becomes blocked. Links said she usually realises there is a problem with the sewer when her own toiled will not flush properly.

“Every day, I am called at the hospital where I work to rush home to sort out the sewerage that floods my home. It is unhealthy and causing so many problems,” he added.

Eland said he is very grateful to Links.

“If it had not been for her I would have had to replace my furniture every three months,” he said. Luckily if I rush back quick enough I can prevent the sewerage from getting that far.”
“I have called the municipality several times, even asked them if they can’t supply me with proper cleaning equipment– the smell is bad. But no one has come back to me,” Eiland said.

“I don’t want special treatment, but surely this is not normal way to live,” he added. “I just want to live a normal life like others in Douglas and not have to rush home all the time or have sleepless nights when it starts to rain.”

The Siyancuma Local Municipality had not responded to requests for comment at the time of going to press.

 

 

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