Fleurdal resident Ricky Fouché has raised concerns over a long-standing sewage problem affecting his property, which he says has persisted for more than 20 years.
Bloemfontein Courant visited his home after he contacted the publication and observed visible residue linked to repeated sewage overflow incidents. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, through MMC for Infrastructure Services Cllr Vusi Soqaga, has since responded to the complaint. Fouché said the issue stems from a main sewer line in his street that regularly becomes blocked, causing raw sewage to overflow into his yard.
He described recurring contamination involving nappies, wet wipes and other foreign waste material. “My house is the only one in the street with this problem. Sometimes it is so bad that the sewage flows out of the two manholes in the back of my yard and blocks up in those areas as well. This again results in me having to pay a plumber to come and unblock this line on my property.”
He claims the problem began after a townhouse complex was developed further up the road, increasing pressure on the sewer system. Stormwater from the development may be entering the sewer network, with overflow worsening during heavy rainfall. Fouché said municipal teams have attended the site on multiple occasions, typically opening manholes and using plungers to clear blockages. He added high-pressure jetting has been conducted in the past, providing only temporary relief before the issue returns, sometimes even on the next day.
In response, the municipality said possible contributing factors include tree root intrusion, a damaged manhole in Curie Avenue, and a potentially faulty connection on his property. Soqaga said immediate intervention would involve clearing and inspecting the line, while longer-term solutions would depend on camera inspections to identify structural faults and possible ingress points. The municipality further noted improper disposal of sanitary waste and foreign materials remains a significant cause of sewer blockages in the area.
Residents affected by similar issues may submit formal claims to the municipality’s claims section with supporting documentation for assessment. They would require affidavits, proof of damage, quotations for repairs to remedy the damage, proof that the complainant has no outstanding municipal accounts, photographs, and other supporting documentation.
Further information can be obtained on the second floor of the Bram Fischer Building in the city centre.
