Maseru, April 16 — Some residents have raised a concern over landlords and residents who intentionally dump sewage onto roads during rainy weather conditions.
Recent incidents were reported in Masowe, Ha Foso, Thetsane and other villages within Maseru.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency, one Mr. Sefume Ts’eole said they have learnt that perpetrators dump sewage onto roads to avoid costs of septic tanks as septic pits fill up quickly during rain, saying this practice is violation of human rights.
He added that it does not only pose a health risk but causes severe environmental contamination.
Also interviewed was Maseru District Environment Officer Mr. Lets’oara Ramone who condemned these acts, saying this calls for collaboration between his Ministry, Maseru City Council (MCC) as well as Water and Sewage Company (WASCO) so that they could root out these malicious acts.
He urged the public to report the perpetrators to the Ministry of Environment as it is illegal to dump sewage at the public space so that they could be brought to book.
However, WASCO Public Relations Officer Mr. Bahlakoana Lehasa said the company specializes in sewage lines thus could only intervene when they are affected either due to bursts or other drainage problems.
Efforts to talk to MCC regarding this matter were unsuccessful.
The Agency has learnt that sewage is disposed of at Ha Thetsane, Ratjomose sewage treatment plant.
Ends/LP/BM
