The heavy rainfall of the past few days has raised the level of the Garden Route Dam but at the same time highlighted the complications caused by the ongoing illegal dumping of material into stormwater drains.
Following a flood of calls regarding stormwater drains overflowing this weekend, it was found that 95% of the drains were blocked by illegal materials and rubbish dumped directly into the drain causing damage and misery to the households further down the line whose yards were flooded.
A spokesperson for the George Municipality Chantel Edwards-Klose says one of the main reasons for blocked drains is the wrong stuff that is being flushed down toilets or thrown into manholes.
She says items like tampons, baby nappies, sanitary pads, newspaper, fatty foods and even rocks had to be cleared by municipal staff.
Children are also being blamed for throwing tyres, rocks and branches down manholes.
She urged the community to stop dumping waste as it is dangerous and a health hazard.
Sewerage complaints can be reported to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.
