A beachfront gym in East London is up in arms at the waves of sewage flowing from a neighbouring “hotel” which is allegedly cramming in hundreds of tenants.
John Swanepoel, owner of Body Classique gym, alleges his neighbour, the Queen’s Hotel, is unleashing a flood of raw sewage onto the pavement causing his health-conscious customers to flee.
Swanepoel said he had tried for three days to get BCM to put a stop to the disaster, but to no avail.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said yesterday city sanitation officials and workers would be sent to sort out the mess immediately.
Swanepoel said the problem was the hotel’s French drain which was servicing an alleged 400 tenants instead of the 120 intended by city planners.
He said: “They do not have a proper sewerage system, so when their little tank is filled up, everything seeps out of the ground and onto the streets.
“It has never been this bad and for such a long period,” said Swanepoel.
He said: “We tried to contact the hotel manager, who just laughs at us and ignores us when we complain. We basically have nobody to deal with,” he said.
Swanepoel said the pavement of poep was pulling down the beachfront area and posed a serious health hazard.
“It is pumping now. People can’t even walk on the pavement.
“It’s also bringing my business down because gym members are leaving saying they can’t stand the stench.
“Who can blame them?
“This gym is essentially a health centre. “Coming in here at the moment defeats that purpose because everyone is at risk of catching a disease.”
The Daily Dispatch arrived at the scene to an unbearable stench.
The overflow of sewage could be seen coming from the hotel and running down to the Orient Theatre where the 2015 Ironman triathlon will be based later this month.
From the backyard of the gym, the Dispatch was able to see the hotel’s drain filled to the brim.
Attempts to enter the hotel and speak to the manager were unsuccessful.
A former tenant at the hotel, who moved out three months ago, said she left because of the shocking living conditions.
“The rooms are dirty. The rent is ridiculously high, starting at R700 a head sharing, with up to to six people in one room.
“Management does not care as long as they get their money.”
Anele Jafta, who lives in a block of flats opposite the hotel, said he noticed the leak but did not pay any attention to it because he thought it would be taken care of immediately.
But, after no help from the city arrived, Jafta said: “This is unacceptable. We have children who play in the streets. This will definitely cause disease.” — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Quigney hotel in poo with gym
John Swanepoel, owner of Body Classique gym, alleges his neighbour, the Queen’s Hotel, is unleashing a flood of raw sewage onto the pavement causing his health-conscious customers to flee.
Swanepoel said he had tried for three days to get BCM to put a stop to the disaster, but to no avail.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said yesterday city sanitation officials and workers would be sent to sort out the mess immediately.
Swanepoel said the problem was the hotel’s French drain which was servicing an alleged 400 tenants instead of the 120 intended by city planners.
He said: “They do not have a proper sewerage system, so when their little tank is filled up, everything seeps out of the ground and onto the streets.
“It has never been this bad and for such a long period,” said Swanepoel.
He said: “We tried to contact the hotel manager, who just laughs at us and ignores us when we complain. We basically have nobody to deal with,” he said.
Swanepoel said the pavement of poep was pulling down the beachfront area and posed a serious health hazard.
“It is pumping now. People can’t even walk on the pavement.
“It’s also bringing my business down because gym members are leaving saying they can’t stand the stench.
“Who can blame them?
“This gym is essentially a health centre. “Coming in here at the moment defeats that purpose because everyone is at risk of catching a disease.”
The Daily Dispatch arrived at the scene to an unbearable stench.
The overflow of sewage could be seen coming from the hotel and running down to the Orient Theatre where the 2015 Ironman triathlon will be based later this month.
From the backyard of the gym, the Dispatch was able to see the hotel’s drain filled to the brim.
Attempts to enter the hotel and speak to the manager were unsuccessful.
A former tenant at the hotel, who moved out three months ago, said she left because of the shocking living conditions.
“The rooms are dirty. The rent is ridiculously high, starting at R700 a head sharing, with up to to six people in one room.
“Management does not care as long as they get their money.”
Anele Jafta, who lives in a block of flats opposite the hotel, said he noticed the leak but did not pay any attention to it because he thought it would be taken care of immediately.
But, after no help from the city arrived, Jafta said: “This is unacceptable. We have children who play in the streets. This will definitely cause disease.” — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos