Staff reporter
Orangeville – A 70-year-old woman from Orangeville has stated that she has been living in deteriorating and unhealthy conditions for nearly two decades due to water allegedly flowing from municipal infrastructure linked to Metsimaholo Local Municipality.
In an interview during a site visit by community activist Dr Igor Scheurkogel, Dawn Thompson detailed extensive damage to her home which she claims was caused by persistent water overflows from a nearby reservoir behind her property.
According to Thompson, the problems began in 2008 and have continued ever since.
“Since 2008, I’ve been struggling with water running through my house. If you talk to the people, they say it’s not their problem,”
Thompson said.
She further explained that treated water from the reservoir frequently overflows and seeps through the foundation of her home, causing dampness, mould and termite infestations.
WATCH
Thompson showed damaged cupboards, peeling paint and furniture falling apart, which she attributed to years of moisture inside the house.
“As you can see, this cupboard fell off because of termites,” she said while pointing to visible damage inside the property.
WATCH
The pensioner further said conditions inside the home have become unbearable, forcing her to sleep with a fan running every night due to the smell and dampness in her bedroom.
WATCH
During the visit, Scheurkogel said the matter would be escalated to the South African Human Rights Commission and the Public Protector South Africa as pressure mounts for intervention.
We invite Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena, MEC for Human Settlements to go to Orangeville instead of his hometown, Bethlehem for a change and make empty promises.
Support Independent Journalism
Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.
If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.
Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731
Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.
More Stories
“They are cutting their nose to spite their face” – Teachers blast Department
Centlec CFO and the Missing cable (NQF 7 Certificate)
Was Phuti set up to fail?