'Every flush is a gamble' in Roodepan sewage crisis

FRUSTRATION is mounting among residents in the Pescodia area of Roodepan, where overflowing sewage and blocked drains have turned daily life into a nightmare for many households.

- DANIE VAN DER LITH

Residents say they have been battling with sewage water backing up into their yards for months, despite numerous reports to Sol Plaatje Municipality. The situation has become so severe that some homeowners have resorted to digging channels through their properties to divert the foul-smelling wastewater into the street.

Peter Mathane, who lives at No. 5 Beethoven Street, took the DFA through the affected area this week, pointing out several properties where sewage water had accumulated.

“The drains in my yard are pushing up, as you can see here,” said Mathane. “When we flush our toilets, the water pushes up, so every flush is a gamble because we don't know when it is finally going to overflow.”

A walk through the neighbourhood revealed multiple yards affected by sewage spills. In several cases, residents had attempted to manage the situation themselves by creating trenches to direct the wastewater away from their homes.