The Voelpan disaster never really ended, it has escalated to more hidden issues

Khayisile Matsaba

The pain remains as families continue to live in flooded yards with sewage flowing in every street in Nyakallong, surrounded by broken promises from the government that seem to resurface only during election season. When the Voelpan flooding began, it affected the R30 road in Allanridge and Bothaville Road.
This issue caught widespread attention in the province and gained traction on social media. Several TV programs were called to address the matter, and the former Free State Premier, along with the MEC for Human Settlements, visited the area. She assured the community that the housing situation in Riverside would be resolved. While she kept one promise by constructing a bridge on Allanridge R30 road, the housing issues remain unchanged to this day.

During community meetings, it was mentioned that a new sewage pump would be built on the farm front opposite Shaft 3, as that was the direction in which Nyakallong should grow. However, the sewage pump station continues to submerge as water levels rise during the rainy season, leading to blocked household and main sewage lines. In some cases, when residents flush their toilets, sewage flows back into their homes, despite most households having indoor
plumbing. The smell of sewage is unbearable.

We cannot open windows and doors during summer because the stench permeates our homes, attracting mosquitoes as well. Living under these conditions has led to respiratory issues, including headaches, nausea, worsening asthma, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as skin infections. Mr. Nkonka has reported the sewage issues in his yard to the council multiple times, but to this day, no action has been taken. Nthabiseng Kareli mentioned that she frequently suffers from headaches and nausea, but was unaware that her symptoms were caused by the sewage
flowing in front of her home.

The municipality must take responsibility by rebuilding the sewage pump, improving service delivery, and creating a clear, transparent plan for affected families. Community voices must be included so that solutions address real needs rather than political promises. Those who are suffering from health issues due to the sewage should receive medical care at no cost. Taking real action would restore trust, improve living conditions, and grant the community of Nyakallong the dignity they deserve. Rebuilding the sewage pump will enhance the community’s livelihood and create a healthier environment for everyone.