Download PDFOn 25 May 2026, residents of Kliptown continued to face a growing sewage and sanitation crisis that has left many families frustrated, angry, and worried about their health. Overflowing drains, leaking pipes, and dirty water have become a daily reality in parts of the community, especially after heavy rains and ongoing infrastructure problems across Johannesburg.
The crisis is worsened by the fact that some residents of Kliptown do not have access to proper toilets and are forced to dig holes in the ground for sanitation. Pools of contaminated water can be seen near homes, schools, and busy pathways used daily by community members.
Parents say they are worried about the health risks their children are exposed to every day, and many fear the spread of diseases caused by polluted water. Some residents claim they no longer leave their windows open because of the unbearable smell.
“We are tired of living like this,” said community resident Kgomotso Mamoepa. “Our children walk through dirty water on their way to school. The smell is everywhere, and nobody seems to care about what we are going through.”
Another resident, Sulaya Mohammed, explained how the sewage crisis is affecting small businesses in the area.
“People avoid buying food near the sewage because they think it is unsafe. Business is slow, and we are losing money every day while we wait for help,” he said.
Elderly residents say the situation has robbed the community of its dignity. Sixty-eight-year-old Babra Dube explained that many older people now struggle to move around safely because the streets are often wet and slippery.
“We have lived here for years, but things have never been this bad. We deserve basic services and a clean environment,” she said.
As the sewage crisis continues, many people in Kliptown say they are losing hope. Local community leaders are now calling for urgent intervention. Residents say they are no longer asking for promises; all they want is a safe, healthy, and clean environment.
This article was submitted on 27 May 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
