Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Estelle Noordman and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Kopanong will escalate the issue of raw sewage overflowing into the streets of Philippolis, ensuring urgent municipal intervention to protect residents and tourists from ongoing health hazards and unpleasant conditions.
The overflowing sewage in the town’s main street not only creates an intolerable smell but also poses serious health risks and negatively impacts Philippolis’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Residents frequently reported the sewage spill, but municipal action has stalled due to delayed access to necessary equipment, leading to avoidable expenses and delays.
One property owner has been struggling with this issue for months, reporting that the problem occurs at the junction between the main line and their property. The municipality claims that a tractor loader backhoe (TLB) is required to locate the manhole and junction, but the TLB is currently out of commission.
As a result, residents have had to limit their water usage, manually carry water into their yards, and endure continuous sewage flow at the back of their properties. This situation has caused not only daily inconvenience but also potential health hazards for the community.
The DA will formally write to the municipality to request immediate repair of the sewerage system, the acquisition of essential equipment, and the implementation of measures to prevent future sewage spills permanently. We urge authorities to act now to resolve this crisis without delay.
We aim to safeguard public health, restore dignity to affected residents, and ensure that Philippolis remains a welcoming destination for tourists.