GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Just behind the sewage pump station on Sithandiwe Street in Thembalesizwe, is a large pond with raw sewage.

Just across the road is the Thembalesizwe Crèche.

Not only does the crèche have to contend with the health hazard from the open sewage, but the members of staff also have to deal with foul-smelling water coming out of the taps.

This has been reported to the municipality on several occasions, but no action has been forthcoming.

The sewage-infested water flows from the pond, roughly parallel to the dry river bed, towards the east.

According to several residents, the stream of polluted water is evident for at least 500m.

"I decided to follow the sewage water course, thinking it would trickle away, but discovered how it increases as you walk through the veld and then becomes a verdant sewage oasis with thriving Karoo acacias," said one resident.

The pool and spillage behind the sewage pump station.

Many people use the dry river bed crossing to get from town to Thembalesizwe every day, and cannot easily avoid walking through the foul-smelling water.

Although many residents in the area are up in arms about the problem, they were not prepared to be quoted, for fear of victimisation.

No response has been received from the municipality to the Advertiser's queries.

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