Rocklands residents face 'unbearable conditions' amid ongoing sewage problem

Residents of Mercury Street in Rocklands say they have been living in unbearable conditions due to recurring sewage overflows that flood their yards and homes with waste and foul odors.

The problem, which has been ongoing since May, continues to affect several households despite repeated complaints to the City of Cape Town.

Long-time resident Gwen Daniels said the most recent overflow occurred in August when her yard filled with sewage.

“It will clear for a while, but then it just comes back,” Ms Daniels said.

She said the issue was worse during winter when heavy rains cause flooding, forcing families to vacate their homes.

“We are so dizzy from this smell. There’s no oxygen. It’s not fair,” she said.

The City’s acting mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, Siseko Mbandezi, said the City is “currently over-pumping to contain possible spillages in the area.”

He said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the repeated overflows.

“Once the source is identified, a more permanent solution can be implemented,” he said.

Mr Mbandezi said the City’s water and sanitation maintenance teams are cleaning the bulk sewer pipeline to determine the cause of the blockage.

“The outcome of the investigation will determine the appropriate action to be implemented,” he said. On the legal claim filed by residents, he said the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has no record of any legal documents in question.

Tiffany Langenhoven, who recently moved into the area, said the smell becomes unbearable when the sewage surfaces.

“It’s a nightmare. We log complaints, but it takes days for the City to respond. Once the stench is there, nothing can be done,” she said.

Another resident, Belinda Floris, said she fell ill on two occasions because of the stench and that it also affected her grandchild.

“The faeces flows into the yard and even comes up out of our drain. When the City comes, they hose it down, and that’s it. It stops and starts, and we don’t know what to do,” she said.

Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts said he has engaged with residents multiple times and shares their frustration.

“I have been out to Galaxy and engaged with residents on more occasions than I can count. I certainly do feel their frustration and will continue to push for this matter to get the attention it deserves,” he said.

Mr Potts said residents have been cooperative in logging service requests, which is vital to addressing the issue.

“These situations need more proactive measures, and the City should show empathy by engaging residents directly and assisting with claims for damages,” he said.

“I will continue to fight for their right to a dignified service until the matter is fully resolved.”