For eight months, the streets of Madikizela and Mabhida in KwaNobuhle township, Kariega, South Africa, have been inundated with foul-smelling water, causing a wave of frustration among residents. Their appeals to the authorities have seemingly fallen on deaf ears, resulting in disrupted access to driveways and young children turning the flooded streets into a makeshift playground.
The predicament stems from an underground pipe that ruptured several months ago, leading to water cascading onto the roads. However, the persisting flooding can be attributed to inadequate drainage and obstructed drains, exacerbating the ordeal for locals.
In November, initial reports shed light on the water-logged roads, with Ward 45 Councillor Sabelo Mabuda acknowledging the matter and alerting the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Upon revisiting the area, our team encountered 14-year-old Unathi Marhasi navigating a small kayak along Mabhida Street, a symbol of resilience amidst adversity.
Evidently, attempts to address the issue were thwarted by a local business owner who interjected the efforts of a contractor, manifesting a setback in resolving the longstanding problem. Furthermore, recent rainfall and overflow from a nearby pond have compounded the severity of the flooding, amplifying the distress of the community. Coach Gxothiwe articulated the dire circumstances, emphasizing the intrusion of frogs and ducks, as well as the perilous activities of young children wading through contaminated waters.
Lamenting her plight, Lungeka Williams bemoaned the lack of action despite her persistent grievances. She recounted a contractor’s futile attempt to alleviate the situation, which was disrupted, leaving the community in dismay and the problem unresolved. In response, Khanya Ngqisha, the Mayco Member for Infrastructure and Engineering, assured intervention, indicating the municipality’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue. Municipality spokesperson Mamela Ndamase corroborated the impending deployment of a workforce to tackle the plight.
As the floodwaters continue to besiege the streets of Kariega, the unwavering spirit of its residents, especially the children maneuvering through the inundated lanes, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude embodied amidst adversity.
