Bloemfontein residents say they are living with constant stench of sewage

Residents of Bloemfontein in the Free State say they are living with the constant stench of sewage running through the streets.

Sewer spillages can be seen on several streets of Bloemfontein and in some areas running into people’s yards and homes.

Concerned residents say sewer spillage has been a challenge for quite some time.

They say those in authority in the Mangaung Metro Municipality fail to listen to their cry.

“We have a big problem with sewer, especially in the locations. This thing is not good at all like in the three houses behind me, sewer is spilling into the houses.”

“We can’t tolerate this, we have several times talked to them, talk to councillors. Even the new ones are saying they are just starting but this is continuing. This now affects the health of people. Totally it is not good.”

The Mangaung Metro has attributed the challenge of sewer spillage in the municipality to the overburdened infrastructure.

The municipality has been inundated with calls of sewer spillages around Bloemfontein.

Residents say many manholes are blocked and sewage is flooding into their yards.

Mangaung Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama says the spillage is one of the issues that are being prioritized by the municipality.

“We are working on an immediate plan to deal with these spillages. But also, the executive mayor in his 100 days program will be dealing with the long-term infrastructure challenges that are there in the city. We want to assure the community of Mangaung that this is the matter that is receiving the utmost attention. We understand that the hygiene of the community is highly affected, and we want to apologize. All the inquiries that are brought to the attention of the city are being attended to.”