“Does Newcastle have a new dam?” This was the question posed by a concerned resident on social media after discovering a large body of water on a vacant plot of land at the intersection of Tugela Avenue and Renoster Avenue in Amajuba Park.
While the resident’s question attracted humorous comments, with some people joking about bass fishing, the situation was far more serious than a simple water buildup.
Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the immense pool was rather sewage. What appeared to be harmless water was, in fact, a dangerous pool of raw sewage forming in one of Newcastle’s suburban areas.
“It has been sitting there for several days, and when the wind blows in a certain direction, the stench is unbearable. This is completely unacceptable, especially considering that many families with children live in the area. Also, as it is getting hotter, what if a small child mistakes it for water and try to play in it?” said a distressed resident who chose to remain anonymous.
Addressing the concerning situation, Newcastle Municipality’s Ward Councillor, Cllr Musa Ndlovu, explained that he personally saw the pool on Monday, 7 October 2024. “I immediately took action because this situation simply couldn’t continue, and I reported the matter to the relevant department the same day,” Cllr Ndlovu stated. He added that he also began investigating the cause of the sewage pool’s formation to prevent further damage and danger to the community.
“I was informed that trucks were illegally dumping waste in the area, which caused the pipelines to collapse under the weight of the rubble. The trucks reportedly belonged to contractors currently repairing the sewage system in the area. I will follow this up to ensure this doesn’t happen again and to investigate whether the Municipality gave them permission to dump rubble in the area while working,” explained Cllr Ndlovu.
While the immediate sewage issue was resolved, with repairs made to the system, the pool of sewage still lingers. A municipal official, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the large pool was also caused by a blockage, likely linked to the dumped rubble.
As the sewage pool remains, residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the unpleasant sight and overwhelming odour. The fact that the sewage has been left to either evaporate or seep into the ground has also left some at their wits end. However, reflecting on the matter, Cllr Ndlovu acknowledged that the sewage infrastructure in Ward 5, which includes Amajuba Park and Barry Hertzog Park, has been under strain for some time.
Cllr Ndlovu also pointed out that other areas in Ward 5 are facing similar challenges. “There have been major sewage leaks in FW Beyers Street in Barry Hertzog Park, Hluhluwe Crescent in Amajuba Park, and other parts of the ward,” he said, noting that the amount of illegal dumping occurring in Amajuba Park and Barry Hertzog Park is now seemingly putting additional pressure on the already ageing infrastructure.
Over the past few weeks, Cllr Ndlovu has been working to address service delivery concerns, including sewage leaks and illegal dumping.
He expressed hope that through collaboration with both the Municipality and local residents, these infrastructure issues could be resolved quickly to prevent further risks to public health and avoid an escalation of the situation.
Additionally, Cllr Ndlovu said he would be sending official letters to the respective departments that deal with sewer, water, road and electrical infrastructure that are not been dealt with. Moreover, he stressed that he would also be sending an official letter to the Strategic Executive Director of Technical Services for urgent intervention. Additionally, he stated that he will also be following up with the respective authorities to ensure that the bylaws are implemented to ensure Ward 5 receives the necessary attention.
As Newcastle continues to battle with its sewage issues, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 3
Can this publication and journalists please visit the Draper street area just below the intersection of cerise street in lennoxton.You will be shocked to see the raw sewage flowing into the stormwater drainage for the past 2 years as well as the conditions of that area it’s a human rights violation
Rates at an all time high, services at an all time low the irony, forget about the past they say but honestly it wasn’t like this before.
I agree with Donald Trump. From the trollip/Draper Street going down is a mess the sewage leaks from 20 b Draper Street going down. Are the people not qualified to the work…After much complaints by residents they di something and not long after that back to square one…so should we stop paying rates and taxes until the problem is solved once and for all