A Manenberg mom is furious with the City of Cape Town after her home was flooded with sewage water, causing her family to fall ill.
Bronwyn Jones, 35, says she has been begging officials for help since the weekend, while her five-month-old baby and 2-year-old son are covered in flies as the stench hangs in their home.
The mother of four says they got a skrik on Friday night when their toilet started overflowing and flooded their home in Pecos Walk.
“We were at home and it just popped and all the k*k water started flowing.
“The whole place was flooded and we used blankets and towels to clear the water,” she explains.
RELENTLESS: Blankets used to soak the water on the floor. Picture: Monique Duval
“The next day we found out the neighbour’s house also flooded and the water was just coming. We had to put our furniture outside.”
The angry mom went to the rent office to plead for help, but says officials refused to give her a reference number.
“They came here and said they can’t do anything and put this disinfectant powder down, maar dit maak niks.
“I told them they must give us a reference number but they refused.
“The whole place is filled with flies as the water just comes all the time.
“My 2-year-old son has a fever and the flies are sitting on him. My baby is also affected.
SICKENING: Flies on ill two-year-old boy’s face. Picture: Monique Duval
“We can’t even cook or breathe in the house and we must sleep with the doors open.
“It is dangerous and they don’t care. We must pay the City rent.”
The Daily Voice visited the homes on Tuesday and found that a total of 16 people, which includes nine children, were affected by the overflow.
Flies sat on the children and one boy appeared to have a fever.
“I go to the rent office and I ask them to come see what is causing this problem, but they don’t care about us or our children getting sick,” adds Bronwyn.
STENCH: Bronwyn says the City is unwilling to resolve issue. Picture: Monique Duval
“Then the one guy still tells me they will come when they can and I must just go to the ( Daily) Voice, dan gaan hulle vir ons serious vat.
“But this is not the first time it is happening. We must now k*k in buckets and bury it in the backyard or the children must ask the neighbours if they can pee by them.”
Mayco member for Human Settlements Malusi Booi confirms they are aware of the complaint and says it will be attended to in due course.
Mayco member for Health and Community Services Zahid Badroodien says exposure to sewage can cause bacterial diseases such as gastroenteritis and hepatitis A.
“City Health was recently notified of this matter. An environmental health professional will inform the tenants to visit the Manenberg Clinic,” he said.