A family in Cosmo City is living in a of sewer due to drain blockages. Photo: Supplied.
WATCH: Cosmo City family ‘Sewer Surfs’ around the house
A family in Cosmo City dreads any heavy rain or people flushing their toilets because it leads to a river of sewer in and around their home.
A family in Cosmo City is living in a of sewer due to drain blockages. Photo: Supplied.
A Cosmo City family is in desperate need of help as they are forced to sewer surf around the house due to gushing sewage into the property.
COSMO CITY FAMILY LIVING IN A RIVER OF SEWER
Constant blockages on the sewer drain and lines in Cosmo City have been the worst nightmare for the family whose home in Extension 2 is regularly flooded.
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WHEN DID THE BLOCKAGE PROBLEM BEGIN
A helpless Mpho Mokapela, the head of the family, provided background on the crisis which has caused bad blood among his neighbours.
“We are a family of five, including a baby. We’ve been staying on this property since 2007 without any problems. The issue started in 2021 when my neighbour built back rooms and blocked the water passage,” Mokapela recalled.
He said the issue started as a leak when there is a drain blockage or heavy rain, however, in recent months it gradually worsened, as a result, sewer forcing its way into the house.
“When there is a storm, the sewer gushes and fills the house. The wastewater can get up to the ankles and can leave our furniture and appliances soaked in the dirty water.”
Mokapela
In spite of the damage to the furniture and property, the Mokapela has expressed concerns about health implications as the sewer flooding leaves dangerous bacteria and gems.
“The neighbour has not been helpful in resolving this problem because it started when he built those backroom houses. The previous and the current councillor of Cosmo City were unable to intervene, treating this as a matter civil matter,” said Mokapela, who claims he solely relies on Johannesburg Water to unblock the sewer line.
“Johannesburg Water takes time to come. The urgency of the problem is delayed by the administrative process (obtaining a reference number and dispatch of personnel),” he lamented.
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DESPERATE FOLKS SEEK A PERMANENT SOLUTION
“We’ve had enough of this problem but we remain helpless as there is no permanent solution as yet. The unblocking of the drain is always a temporary measure because when it rains, we go back to square one. We really appeal for a permanent solution, even animals don’t leave in a river of sewer,” Mokapela appealed.
The South African is following up with Johannesburg Water about this matter.
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This is a developing story.
