Raw sewerage runs in Sea Vista today – photos – updated 2.30 pm

Raw sewerage was running in some of the streets of Sea Vista this morning. The smell stretched for kilometres in this sprawling township opposite the St Francis Bay industrial area in Tarragona Road.

At first itt  appeared to StFrancis Chronicle that sewerage drains had become blocked  behind one of the houses (see photo) or too full or both and sewerage  was running down  like a river towards the rubbish tip where children were playing.

But on inspection municipal officials also found that the main sewerage pipe from St Francis Bay to the sewerage works running through Sea Vista broke this morning at around 8 am. This caused raw sewerage to spill into the streets and houses. This was after heavy rains washed away the earth from under the concrete air valve structure which collapsed, causing it to break.

These photos were taken by Bev Mortimer at 10 am this morning…

The main sewerage pipe from St Francis Bay to the sewerage works running through Sea Vista broke this morning causing raw sewerage to spill into the streets and houses.

At 10.15 am Francis Chronicle telephoned the after hours sewerage department that said personnel would be sent to attend to the problem.

Even though there has been a temporary fix, more sewerage continues to be pumped from St Francis Bay as this is controlled by an automatic pump pressure system. A permanent repair will have to be conducted at a later stage.

Apparently Sea Vista residents did not know which number to call. and did not think anyone would come on a Sunday, being a public holiday in South Africa. The emergency services number to call in such cases is: 042 291 0250.

Also in Sea Vista this morning several houses were underwater, some new houses were collapsing and there were pools of water or mini dams everywhere . The area has no storm water drainage.

Photos (unless otherwise indicated) taken by Bev Mortimer

All articles written, all photos taken, plus all adverts designed, by the Editor and printed in the St Francis Chronicle are protected by Copyright.  Reproduction or copying of any part of the contents of this newspaper and its concept and design can only be done with the Editor’s written permission.