Two babies in an Extension 10 family are receiving medical attention for rashes and infections their doctor says is caused by exposure to the raw sewage flooding their home.
Two babies in an Extension 10 family are receiving medical attention for rashes and infections their doctor says is caused by exposure to the raw sewage flooding their home.
Babalwa Ngoqo said the two children – both just over 18 months – started getting sick after a sewage line burst in October 2014.
When Ngoqo family members flush their toilet, the waste comes out at the side of the house causing an unbearable stench and creating a horrible sight.
Ngoqo said she had reported the matter to the municipality several times, with no result.
Municipal spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo said the family should report the problem to Uphahla construction company.
"The housing project is still unfinished and Uphahla should fix whatever goes wrong because they haven't left the site, Ramokolo said.
Ngoqo said, "The doors of my house must at all times remain closed because the stench is unbearable".
Three babies died in a North West township last year after coming into contact with sewage-contaminated water.
The babies were seven months, 13 months and 1 year old.
Hundreds others had diarrhoea as a result of contact with contaminated water.
The health fraternity raised concern about ongoing sewage spills covering large parts of the Grahamstown including homes.
Grocott's spoke to two health professionals.
CEO of Fort England Roger Walsh and experienced senior nurse at Joza Clinic Nomsa Titi warned last year that the city was on the brink of health catastrophe.
"A disastrous outbreak of water-borne diseases is waiting to happen and this could be easily avoided if officials performed their duties," Walsh said.
According to Walsh contaminated water contains extremely high levels of E. coli.
Titi said once waterborne diseases broke out, health workers would struggle to control infection because of scant resources in the clinics.
