RESIDENTS of Ramosadi Village in Mahikeng, North West, say they're tired of the sewage that spills within their area.
They told Daily Sun that the sewage spillage is making them sick.
Their problem started three months ago when a municipal sewage pipe burst and flooded the streets, with some sewage flowing directly into their yards.
There are no municipal services in Ramosadi. Those who have flushable toilets use septic tanks to dispose of their wastewater, while others use pit toilets.
Resident Aobakwe Malete said: "It's even more frustrating because we have to endure the stench that makes us sick while we do not even receive services from the municipality."
Residents said that they have protested several times after trying to contact the local and district municipalities, but their pleas fell on deaf ears.
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According to community leader Jeff Gothusang, the government is failing the residents.
"Thirteen residents are in jail because we went to the district in September 2023 and threw buckets full of human waste in front of the entrance. The mayor came here several times and promised to help, but we're still facing this problem," he said.
Residents have even built mini bridges for their kids to walk through.
Ngaka Modiri Molema Mayor Khumalo Molefe apologised to residents and said the problem was bigger than he expected.
He said the municipality needed R29 million to refurbish the obsolete asbestos pipes that were installed more than 50 years ago. Molefe said the pipes go through villages and some of the manholes are in people’s yards.
He said the council meeting is expected to be held before Friday, 20 October. Molefe said the municipality has organised mobile clinics to provide temporary care for the sick people in Ramosadi.
"The situation is unacceptable. We regret it and apologise unconditionally to our citizens," he said.
The thirteen arrested residents will appear in the Molopo Magistrates Court in November to apply for bail.
