Overcrowding, dumping strain Slovo sewers
Chronic sewage spills in Joe Slovo Park in Milnerton point to the City’s neglect of the township, say residents.
The community has been plagued regularly by blocked drains for more than a decade, says community activist Sibongile Kofi, who claims to have logged several service requests with the City.
Resident Siyabulela Mani says homes across about four streets in the neighbourhood have had toilet blockages since Sunday October 20 because of the latest sewage problem to hit the area.
Suction trucks sent to drain the sewage lines had only tackled part of the problem as they refused to go deeper into the township where the worst of the blockages were, he said, calling for a permanent solution.
“As a resident of Joe Slovo, I have a feeling that we have been neglected by the leadership of the City of Cape Town. Our ward councillor doesn't care about us residents of Joe Slovo. He stays in Table View. He is not even looking after the people from Joe Slovo. I don't know when was the last time we had a meeting with him. When we call a meeting with him, he is always not available,” said Mr Mani.
Overcrowding in the township strained the infrastructure, he said, adding that previous public meetings had called for the City to upgrade Joe Slovo Park’s sewage system.
However, ward councillor Anthony Benadie said he was aware of the situation and had been in the community “almost daily dealing with this crisis”.
He added: “The reality is that there was a collapse on the main sewer line on Omuramba Road. As a result, the Milky Way pump station had to be turned off to allow for repairs.
“There are at least 10 suction trucks in the community doing manual suction. Due to the overpopulation, the system is heavily under strain. So too, the line is seriously compromised due to dumping. The contractor is on site doing repairs. As soon as the line is done, the pump station can be turned on. I am closely monitoring the situation”.
