Residents of Addo in the Eastern Cape have raised concerns over a persistent sewage spill in the Valencia area that they say poses a serious health risk and has continued for at least three weeks, with some describing it as a recurring problem spanning years.
The spill has affected multiple streets, with raw sewage overflowing from manholes onto roads, walkways, and into residents’ yards. In some cases, it has flooded homes, particularly during heavier periods last week when the situation was reportedly worse. Children walking to school and attending a nearby nursery school—catering to babies and children up to four years old—have been exposed to the contaminated water in playgrounds and yards. Residents report an unbearable stench that prevents them from spending time outdoors.
One resident who has lived in the area since 2005, described the issue as ongoing since she moved in. She noted that her property is among the worst affected, with sewage surrounding it on multiple sides. Although her house is elevated with stairs, preventing indoor flooding on this occasion, she indicated that lower-lying homes have not been as fortunate.
The Sundays River Valley Local Municipality has acknowledged the problem. Municipal manager Mr. Thabiso Klaas tendered an upfront apology to the community for the unhygienic conditions caused by the sewer spillage in Valencia.
Mr. Klaas explained that a burst sewer pipe in the area over the past 10 days—around the Easter period—had led to flooding of nearby houses. He confirmed that the municipality has appointed a service provider to address the immediate issue. A sanitation truck was observed on site draining the sewage, making multiple trips to manage the volume.
On the longer-term solution, Mr. Klaas stated that the municipality has secured funding from the Department of Water and Sanitation for the upgrading of the pump station. A tender for the work was advertised and closed last week, with plans to appoint a service provider and commence upgrading by 1 July 2027, at the start of the new financial year.
He attributed the recurring challenges to the old and dilapidated infrastructure, noting that the pump station was designed and built more than 25 years ago when the local population was significantly smaller. Population growth, along with an influx of over 35,000 non-resident workers during the eight-month citrus harvesting season in the Sundays River area, has placed additional strain on the sewer network.
Residents have reported the problem multiple times without full resolution, and the waste treatment plant in the vicinity has reportedly not been operational since 25 March. The municipality maintains that the current interventions, including the tender process, represent the necessary steps to prevent future occurrences.
The situation has drawn attention to broader infrastructure challenges faced by many municipalities, where ageing systems struggle with increased demand. Residents continue to call for urgent and sustained action to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure to sewage.