Citizen Connect: Constant plaints fall on deaf ears as sewage overflows into New Washermenpet street

Talking to DT Next, Devi, a resident of L Street, Thiruvalluvar Nagar for more than 10 years said, “This problem has been here for four days. It arises from the sewage point in front of the house and overflows in the street. Because of the sewage overflow, the entire street stinks and we are not able to cook. Also, this being a narrow street, people are finding it difficult to walk on the stretch as speeding vehicles splash the sewage on them.”

The locals say that this is a regular issue and usually gets solved immediately after filing complaints to the Chennai Metrological Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). However, even though, the residents’ associations have complained for more than five times, the officials have neither bothered to visit the place nor permanent solution has been given.

“Last time, when the officials visited, they said that it is the responsibility of the residents in the locality to initiate steps to stop the sewage overflow. But we pay the tax and when the sewage overflows on the road from the sewage outlet, it is the responsibility of the concerned officials to find a solution,” said Sujith N, another resident of the same street.

The sewage stagnates at a minimum of two streets and even the smell of drinking water changes. The public are having difficulties to walk on the road, and they are forced to step on the sewage.

“If we want to step outside the shop, we have to walk in the sewage and due to this, customers are not coming. During rainfall, the situation is even worse, since the water enters the shop and we must close the shop till it drains,” said a shopkeeper in the street.

When contacted the CMWSSB official, they said immediate steps will be taken.