This is an open letter to the City from the Rylands Gatesville Civic Association about sewage overflow in Hazel Road, Gatesville.
I am corresponding with you in my official capacity as the vice-chairperson of the Rylands Gatesville Civic Association (RGCA). The RGCA was formed as an apolitical, independent body representing the community interest of 3500 residents and home owners in the area.
The RGCA wishes to further raise the seriousness of the overflowing sewage in Hazel Road.
The residents of Rylands/Gatesville have been exposed to, and have had to endure, the totally unacceptable situation of overflowing sewage in our area. The medical implication of raw sewage being discharged into the road is a serious health hazard. The continuous discharge of sewage in Hazel Road has been an ongoing concern that has reached the point of a serious health hazard and a human rights issue. As a civic organisation we feel this is not acceptable and requires urgent sustainable intervention.
As you know, the Rylands/Gatesville CBD is a thriving area with both residential and business components. The intersection is bustling with people that come from Rylands, Gatesville, Bridgetown, Silvertown, Surry Estate and various other surrounding suburbs where these people do their shopping in the area. During this month of Ramadaan shoppers from all over these suburbs visit our area for Ramadaan shopping specials and treats. Both formal and informal businesses, residents, customers and visitors to our area are expected to live and move around in it with the current situation.
Despite numerous complaints by residents and businesses to the City over many months, the discharge of sewage continues. The situation reached disastrous proportions yesterday, June 10, as can be seen from the pictures as per the link below.
The effluent sewage flowed into people's houses, restricting access to their homes. Properties along Hazel Road were therefore flooded and businesses were disrupted as traffic congestion escalated.
The discharge stopped for a short period this morning but has now resumed, once again. Despite numerous complaints by residents and businesses to the City over many months, the situation continues without any sustainable resolution.
The responses by the City have been vague and non-committal with blame shifting to dumping of unknown items by unidentified people.
We feel explanations offered by City officials do not address the ongoing concern of residents and business. A significant investment has been made to build an alternative infrastructure, that hasn't been made operational.
In the meantime, the situation has reached disastrous proportions and we don't feel that officials are treating the situation with the reciprocal urgency and impact required.
This is a basic human rights issue that needs urgent intervention. We feel the City has failed this community in delivering permanent sustainable solutions to a basic human right. Does the City have a permanent solution to this problem as this situation can surely not continue?
It is unacceptable to expect any community to accept and live under these conditions. Kindly advise when the City intends to resolve the situation.
Your earliest response on the way forward would be appreciated.
Ali Hamdulay
RGCA vice-chairperson