Zimpapers Logo

Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
PLUMTREE Town Council is set to install a sewer line in George Silundika high density suburb in a bid to end a trend of open defecation that is ongoing in the area.The human waste left by residents in a bushy area surrounding the suburb is reportedly being washed down to a stream which feeds to the dam which is a water source for villagers in Matole area.

A majority of the residents staying in the suburb which is popularly known as Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle area, relieve themselves in the bush as they do not have toilets.

The Town’s Secretary, Davis Dumezweni Luthe, said the council would next month start a $400,000 sewer line construction project.

“One of our priorities for the year 2015 is to get George Silundika residents connected to the town’s main sewer system. Some residents are using septic tanks as a temporary measure and we’ll ensure that they get connected to a conventional sewer system in the first quarter of the year,” said Luthe.

The councillor of the area, Similo Ndlovu, said the suburb, which had over 600 households, was in a pathetic state as it was surrounded by human waste.

Clr Ndlovu said only a few households had toilets.

He said residents were relieving themselves in areas surrounding the suburb.

The councillor said this in turn made the area messy thereby posing the risk of a cholera outbreak.

Clr Ndlovu said a number of people were unable to dig septic tanks because of limited space within their yards.

“The bulk of people are avoiding having septic tanks because they are causing problems. The yards are small and people are forced to dig the septic tanks close to the houses. This causes problems as the septic tanks get flooded especially during the rainy season,” said Clr Ndlovu.

He said residents had makeshift septic tanks which were not properly constructed or secured. Clr Ndlovu said the installation of a sewer line would help reduce health hazards within the suburb.

Residents from George Silundika area said the process of installing a proper  sewer system within the suburb was long overdue.

Sikhethokuhle Sibanda said they have been living substandard lives for years.

“Our lifestyle is like that of villagers. We don’t have toilets or electricity; it’s as  though our suburb is being neglected. If only they could also neglect us even when it comes to paying rates then it would be better,” she said.

Houses in the suburb, which were built under the government’s Garikai/ Hlalani Kuhle programme, were handed over to the council.