Soweto’s smelly struggle

Soweto residents in Molapo find themselves in a battle against an overwhelming sewage crisis that has turned their neighbourhood into a source of distress and discomfort.

The stench wafting from three manholes overflowing with feces near Jabulani townhouses and surrounding block of flats has not only tarnished their quality of life but has also posed serious health risks as clouds of mosquitous’ flourish in the stagnant sewage overflow.

“The stench is unbearable. When the wind changes direction, it feels like someone has dumped feces right at my front door,” exclaimed frustrated Simon Molele, capturing outrage felt across the community.

His voice reflected growing chorus of calls for municipal authorities to step in and remedy this escalating crisis before they are faced with serious health threats, including malaria.

In a response to an inquiry from Lephalale Express, Nolwazi Dlamini, a spokesperson for Johannesburg Water, stated that depot manager plans to dispatch a team to investigate the matter.

Dlamini emphasised importance of community members reporting such issues by logging a call, as this would ensure prompt attention to their concerns.

Molele expressed frustration over the situation, noting that, to add to the problems, a trench has been excavated from the overflowing manhole, allowing sewage waste to flow onto the railway line under the bridge currently under construction, just opposite our homes.