Sewage leak disrupts Verulam CBD: businesses demand action
Court proceedings continue at the Verulam Family Court despite an overflowing sewer pipe outside the building that has left a bad odour and businesses owners fuming.
A sewer pipe blockage, that occurred more than six months ago on Court Lane at the intersection of George Sewpersadh Street, has still not been repaired, said eThekwini Ward 106 Councillor Johnson Chetty.
The road leads to the Verulam Family Court and the Verulam Magistrate’s Court.
On Friday, Verulam businesses expressed frustration at the municipality’s lack of action to repair the pipe.
Verulam Business Forum chairperson Sagren Venkatas said initially when there was a problem with the pipe, it was reported.
Venkatas said contractors did not conduct a good job and the pipe began leaking again. This time, the road sank and eroded in sections.
“They did not do a professional job. Last six months it is gone worse. Raw sewage flows down the street. Nothing gets done when we complain. We are fighting a losing battle. Businesses continue to pay their bills on time, despite the poor service delivery. There is a problem with municipal worker apathy,” Venkatas said.
Chetty said since December, wastewater was flowing on the road and eventually caused it to collapse.
Chetty said the road was eventually closed, adding that he does not have any more answers for the ratepayers and businesses in Verulam.
According to correspondence Chetty received from the municipality on Thursday, the tender is in the evaluation phase anticipating award by Monday.
“I have complained on umpteen occasions. The faeces are flowing into the Umdloti River. Nobody wants to take accountability. Businesses, pedestrians, and court officials are suffering. This is yet another dismal response from the city. This is directly impacting on the court but they have remained tight lipped about it,” Chetty said.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development spokesperson, Kgalalelo Masibi, said they regret that staff and court users are facing this challenge and that they were committed to finding a lasting solution.
“Thankfully, the issue has not yet impacted court users or proceedings, and we aim to resolve it before that happens. In the spirit of cooperative governance, we are working closely with the relevant authorities to address the matter. A call has been logged with the eThekwini Metro to attend to the issue,” Masibi said.
In the meantime, the magistrate and court personnel are using an alternative entrance to access the usual parking area of the Family Court building, and the courts. Masibi said the toilets in the court remain operational with regular maintenance.
The eThekwini Municipality did not respond at the time of publication.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za