Families live in stench for five years
ALEXANDRA - Ten families on 21st Avenue are pinning their last hope on a DA councillor to get rid off their stinking problem.
Ten families on 21st Avenue are pinning their last hopes on the Democratic Alliance’s Shadrack Mkhonto to get rid off their stinking problem.
They have lived with the stench and risk of water borne diseases from effluent and bath water which has accumulated in their courtyard over the past five years. This is a result from a broken toilet and water running from a pipe. The problem has allegedly been reported numerous times to city council officials, and a succession of councillors have come to view the situation, but have done nothing.
Residents said the problem becomes worse in the rainy season when the water level rose and seeped into their rooms. One person died four years ago from a suspected asthma attack and the body was found in the contaminated water days later.
One of the residents, Princess Maja said one of the children had to be treated at a clinic for incessant diarrhoea, and an 18-year-old had continuous sinusitis suspected to be from the contaminated water.
“Sometimes we fall into the contaminated water risking infection,” she said. “It doesn’t seem authorities are concerned of our plight hence our request for support elsewhere.”
Mkhonto who has promised assistance said it was amazing the length of time the residents had lived under such conditions. “Council has a programme for maintaining toilets, and councillors should resolve residents’ problems quickly, especially those with health and life risks.”
He said his party would solicit funding for the services of a plumber.
Details: Shadrack Mkhonto; 079 444 1464
