Unserviced septic tanks pose health hazard

A septic tank is a key component of the septic system, a small-scale sewerage treatment system common in areas with no connections to the main pipes.

According to the local authority, residents using septic tanks are located in the low-density areas such as Bellevue, Newton West, Burnside, part of Hillside, Matsheumhlope, Lockview, Sunninghill, Riverside, Lobenvale, Trenance, Richmond and Kingsdale.

“We are now living in discomfort as we cannot sit outside the house because of the bad smell from the tank,” said Mrs Charlotte Peters of Bellevue.

She said there was need for the council to act, as their health was at risk.

“I have three children and I am afraid that they might tamper with the tank resulting in them becoming ill. The council should do something soon because we have already paid them the fees for servicing the tanks,” said Mrs Peters.

Mr Philemon Mthombeni of Lockview said the local authority was inconveniencing them.

“Now we can not go to the toilet because the tanks are full, and the city council is nowhere to be seen to empty it,” said Mr Mthombeni.

He said the bad smell emanating from the septic tank was a clear warning sign that his septic tank needed maintenance.

“There is bad smell in the house and around the septic tank and this is causing serious discomfort,” said Mr Mthombeni.

A Matsheumhlope resident Mr Tendai Murindi said the city council should act fast and save the situation before it gets worse.

“If the council does not empty the tanks, there might be a disaster,” said Mr Murindi.

Contacted for comment, the council’s senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said the local authority has one operational honey-sucker, which has been giving “problems” since 16 August.

“This meant that we could not drain the tanks for those two weeks,” said Mrs Mpofu.

She, however, said the honey-sucker has been fixed, and council was clearing the backlog.

“They have since cleared Matsheumhlope and are moving to Bellevue, Newton West, then Hillside,” said Mrs Mpofu.

The rates vary with $211,60 for domestic users, institutions $322 and $368 for businesses.