This letter is regarding the lack of service delivery from Ekurhuleni Municipality when reporting blocked sewers that spill into private property and storm-water drains.
On December 10, 2016, I noticed that the sewer system is blocked and the sewer is leaking through the inspection holes in my yard.
The matter was reported at 08:30 on December 10, 2016. Since then, I followed up by phone many times, as it is a massive health risk.
I spoke to a multitude of people and the empty promises range from they will call me back to they will see what they can do – of course, all lies.
Eventually, on Monday, December 12, 2016, I had to take unpaid leave and report the matter to the council offices in Swartkoppies Road in person, hoping this would help.
The blockage was opened around midday, but no clean up was done.
On Saturday, December 17, 2016, at around 10:50 I was mowing the lawn when I noticed that the drains were blocked once again.
My ordeal started all over again with many phone calls. I explained my situation to one of the guys, but he was very unhelpful and persisted in saying that it will be attended to within four to 48 hours. When I raised my dissatisfaction, he said to me: “Do you want the problem solved or not? Get off the phone and I will see when I can help you.” This obviously made me furious and I said that he better make sure that the problem is solved.
Many more follow ups were done, but just more of the same, unhelpful people with no interest in doing their job!
On Monday, December 19, 2016 (another unpaid leave day), I went to the council offices and spoke to a manager again. I raised my dissatisfaction with him and threatened to contact the Alberton Record regarding this matter. The blockage was then unblocked at 09:10 but another team was to come and clean up.
The clean up team arrived at about 18:00 (not looking like they wanted to work as two persons remained seated in the vehicle while the other two attempted to look like they were cleaning). They only raked the worst rubbish up and I had to insist that they do disinfection.
I had to provide a bucket in which they mixed some disinfectant and only splashed it here and there.
On Sunday, January 8, 2017, at about 12:30, I noticed once again that sewers were blocked. I phoned to report the matter but was hung up on by a rude, unidentified woman.
I phoned again and again and, once again just loads of useless people.
When I went to see the manager again he also started being nonchalant about the whole thing.
The blockage was eventually opened by a sub-contractor and they were of the opinion that the pipe is broken. They left after the blockage was cleared and said they will report to council that they need to put a camera into the line to establish where the manholes are and the possible break. This process can take two weeks or longer. Also, the spillage in my yard has not been cleaned. My dogs contracted diarrhoea as a result. Apparently they will send a team to come and clean up. When this will happen only they know, but I suspect never.
Annoyed Alberton resident
The RECORD contacted the EMM for comment, but they did not respond.
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