Sewage spills upset businesses

JON HOUZET

BISCAY Road businesses have approached Ward 10 councillor Ross Purdon for help with ongoing sewage spills in the street.

"On numerous occasions we have brought this to the attention of the municipality but it appears that, either we are not getting through to the right person, or it is just another complaint that is brushed aside," Kowie Toyota dealer principal Noleen Acton wrote in a letter to Purdon earlier this month.

Kowie Cellars, Atlantic Supermarket, Pick n Pay, Wimpy and BUCO are co-signatories to the letter.

"One has to bear in mind that this is an area where food is delivered and sold, even the delivery of raw meat is exchanged here," wrote Acton.

Last week Purdon told his ward committee the sewage problem was a "nightmare", but he reminded his committee that the mayor had identified Biscay Road as the first street in the CBD that would be rebuilt using block paving.

Committee member Rick Pryce said the sewerage problem needed to be fixed before the road was rebuilt.

Deputy director of community protection services, Fanie Fouche said: "It is a serious concern from a health point of view, but as far as infrastructure is concerned, they need to look at the old plans."

The committee proposed that the municipality look at sewerage in the entire CBD and get an engineering report.

"It's not up to this committee to come up with solutions," cautioned committee member Angus Schlemmer.

"Our recommendation should be for the municipality to abate this nuisance immediately. The municipality is obliged to abate nuisances. They are paid to apply their minds."

"It helps to jog their minds," said fellow member Doug Hattingh.