After years of living with the stench of raw sewage, residents of Labans Street in Alphendale are finally breathing easier.
For months, a sewage spill turned four homes and surrounding yards into toxic no-go zones.
Finally, the hugely relieved residents can now eat, sleep and live their daily lives without the nauseating stench after Buffalo City Metro intervened.
The Go! first reported in January that raw effluent had been constantly pooling and flowing through the affected properties, soaking the ground and forcing families to keep their windows shut through hot, humid summer days due to the overpowering smell.
Gardens became off-limits, particularly for toddlers, and even neighbours not directly in the line of flow had to endure the reek drifting across the street.
The situation reached breaking point after heavy rains over the weekend of February 20, said resident Frankie Gould, who previously told the Go! the issue had plagued his yard for three years.
During that time, the floors inside his house were left “soggy” due to the saturated ground.
An inquiry was sent to the BCM for comment, however, at the time of going to print deadline, no response had been received.
Gould said the boundary wall between two of the worst affected properties eventually gave way, its foundations weakened by continuous exposure to running sewage and perpetually wet soil.
“Bricks were scattered several metres from the original line, leaving once clearly demarcated properties suddenly open and exposed, and raising serious concerns about safety and security for the residents living there,” he said.
But after months of phone calls, emails and escalating pleas, the tide has finally turned.
“Repair work has now been completed, the sewage flow has stopped, and the foul odour that once clung to every doorway and washing line has begun to dissipate,” he said.
For the four families hardest hit, and their neighbours who shared in their daily discomfort — simply being able to step outside without gagging feels like a miracle.
“The surrounding community is delighted for the four families who suffered most, but we are also happy that they can now spend time outside,” Gould said.
“Children can once again play outside, and residents can crack open windows and doors without fear of choking on the smell.”
Gould said the turnaround did not happen on its own. Residents spent months trying to get the issue resolved with the municipality and now want to publicly thank those who helped apply pressure.
“We want to extend our appreciation to ward councillor Pearl Hanson for persistently flagging the problem with municipal officials, and to DA councillors Derek Green and Sue Bentley for their swift response in escalating the matter. Green and Bentley alerted the media to the crisis and lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission — steps we believe were critical in finally prompting action.
“Finally, we would also like to say a big thanks to the Go! community newspaper for highlighting our plight,” Gould said.
For Alphendale’s Labans Street, the battle with sewage may not soon be forgotten. Collapsed walls and damaged ground still need attention.
But for now, there is at least one vital change: the air is clear. Families can reclaim their homes and outdoor spaces after years of living in the shadow of a preventable mess.
