The rancid stench of raw sewage pervades the air surrounding a prominent shopping centre on Gemsbok Street, Hutten Heights, as a pool of sewage continues to gather at one of its entrances.

The extent of the sewage pool has reached a point whereby it has begun to stream down Rooibok Avenue, leaving residents who frequent the Pick n Pay store and its neighbouring navigating the unsightly and unhygienic mess.
A concerned resident expressed their dismay, saying, “Something needs to be done about this; it is unhygienic, and we are forced to drive through it. It is absolutely disgusting.”
A businessman operating within the vicinity echoed these sentiments, stating, “This sewage issue has been going on for months, and it is not only unhygienic but also impacting all the businesses located on the premises. It is imperative that the Newcastle Municipality takes action to rectify the situation.”
With the raw sewage forming a significant pool close to a boundary wall that separates the shopping complex from nearby flats before flowing onto the road, Newcastle Municipality’s Councillor Bertie Meiring explained that the matter has been reported to the relevant officials and will be remedied.
“It is suspected that a collapsed pipe is the cause of the issue and an excavator will be sent to the area on Thursday (26 October 2023) to establish the exact problem, and the necessary work will be done,” assured Cllr Meiring.
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