Blocked drains cause stench at council block

Sand, rags, and fat blocked drains at a block of Heideveld council flats, causing stinking, stagnant effluent to pool in front of residents’ doors for two weeks.

In response to questions from the Athlone News, City staff went to assess the situation at Marianne Court, in 5th Street, and unblocked the drains.

According to mayoral committee member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien, City staff unblocked the drains on Thursday August 15, but they blocked up again and had to be cleared once more on Thursday August 22.

“No one helps us. We can’t open our windows and doors, and it’s hot. The smells comes in. When the City came out they told us they don’t know where the main drain is. They just opened it and left. They say your complaint is logged, but nothing happens,” said resident Thuraya Samsodien.

Carol Necca, 73, said the City staff who came out on Thursday August 15 had not opened the drain.

“They just sprayed water and left. It was still blocked. My chest is getting tight of this smell. That’s why I don’t want to open my door.”

Dr Badroodien urged residents to ensure they did not have illegal stormwater connections into the sewer system as they could cause sand and foreign objects to block it when it rained.

“Residents are encouraged to either log a new service request and get a new reference or follow-up immediately when the service issue becomes apparent again. The City has an established escalation process, which is easy to use when the request for sewer services is not attended to within 24hours,” he said.