A faulty sewage pump has caused a spill in the Cape Town suburb of Table View, and is reportedly causing a stink that has residents outraged.
Speaking to News24, Table View Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Mandy De La Matta said that the spill took place on October 3, and the municipality is unable to handle the maintanence required to keep up with the development in the area.
According to Mayco Member for Water and Waste, Xanthea Limberg, the spill has been attributed to a fault at the Table View East sewage pump station. She added that people may also be blocking drains with “inappropraite objects”, and backyarders may too have contributed to the spill.
De La Matta expressed concern over the possible contamination of the Diep River, which passes through the suburb. She also expressed concern over whether the City has put up warning signs to advise whether the water is fit for bathing, drinking or swimming.
Limberg argues that the spill has not flowed into the Diep River or Rietveli, and that mobile diesel pumps are being used while the damaged pump which caused the spill is being repaired.
The City also plans to submit samples from Rietvlei and Diep River as part of a due diligence process.