Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Gerhard Strydom
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matlosana is deeply concerned by the increasing number of properties where rainwater downpipes are illegally connected directly into the sewerage system. This unlawful practice places severe strain on an already overburdened sewer network and is a major contributor to the blockages, overflows, and spillages frequently experienced by residents.
During rainfall, large volumes of stormwater are diverted into sewer pipelines, which are not designed to carry such capacity. As a result, the system becomes overwhelmed, leading to sewer overflows into streets, yards, and even homes (see photos here and here). These incidents pose serious health risks, damage property, and contaminate the local environment.
The DA calls on the Municipal Manager to urgently instruct all Building Inspectors to conduct a comprehensive investigation into properties with illegal gutter-to-sewer connections. All non-compliant connections must be identified and removed without delay, and property owners must be compelled to redirect stormwater into lawful stormwater drainage systems.
Failure to act decisively will accelerate the collapse of critical infrastructure, increase maintenance costs, and expose residents to ongoing health hazards.
The DA will continue to monitor this matter closely and will hold the municipality accountable for enforcing compliance and protecting essential infrastructure throughout Matlosana.