Cleanup efforts have commenced in Perth’s southern suburbs following a significant sewage spill that began five days ago with a pipe burst in Spearwood. The incident has left local residents cohabiting with unpleasant conditions as repairs continue to be delayed.
The initial problem arose on Hamilton Road, where a sewage pipe burst, leading to the contamination of Watsonia Park and creating an unsightly and foul-smelling situation. One resident, Adam Morolla, expressed the severity of the situation, stating that the odour had made it unbearable to step outside. Efforts by Water Corporation to resolve the issue overnight proved unsuccessful due to the complexity of the repairs, according to Dean Stacey, the corporation’s media and external affairs manager.
The original burst in Spearwood caused a ripple effect, resulting in additional pipe failures in Beaconsfield and overflows in Fremantle Harbour, as well as the Swan River’s Alfred Cove and Applecross. As of now, health warnings remain in place for the contaminated areas. Western Australia Premier Roger Cook has stated that this situation is not linked to maintenance problems, despite ongoing concerns from the community.
The pipe burst directly impacted some residents, like Ken Stevens, who reported sewage flooding his garden. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s communication regarding the incident, questioning why officials didn’t inform affected residents personally and provide alternatives for accommodation during the cleanup.
While Water Corporation aims to complete the repairs soon, they warn that the work could extend over several days. The company recognises the disruption caused and is aware of how rare such events are, assuring the public that they are taking the situation seriously. The community’s patience is being tested during this clean-up phase, as services are restored to normalcy amidst the lingering stench and mess of the sewage incident.