The situation in a residential area of Sebokeng has reached a critical point, where an 82-year-old widow, Rebecca Macheke, and her family are facing not only severe health risks. . .
But also their home is at risk of collapsing due to a prolonged sewer blockage that has persisted for over a month now.
The granny, her daughter, and two grandchildren aged 11 and 16, are struggling to cope with the unbearable living conditions.
The 11-year-old granddaughter, who suffers from asthma, is particularly vulnerable to the hazardous environment. The blockage has caused the sewer to overflow in the yard and resulted in internal plumbing issues, further exacerbating the health risks.
Despite numerous reports to the municipality, the response has been woefully inadequate. A team from the municipality visited the property, acknowledged the issue, but failed to provide a solution, leaving the family in a state of distress and uncertainty.
“The situation is unbearable. We’re living in a health hazard, and nothing seems to be changing,” said the granny’s daughter.
“My mother’s health is deteriorating rapidly, and my daughter’s asthma is getting worse. We’re also at risk of losing our home. We need help, and we need it now.”
The zone 12 family pleads to their local municipality to:
- Deploy a specialised team to resolve the sewer blockage issue promptly and assess the structural integrity of the house.
- Provide alternative accommodation for the family, if necessary, to ensure their health and safety.
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the blockage and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Provide immediate medical attention and support to the elderly woman and the asthmatic child.
