Residents along the long stretch of Carrington Road in Coogee may have noticed a foul-smelling odour when they pass down the hill. Whilst a temporary sandbag fix was done in recent weeks, the reeking problem is far from over.
A blockage from an old 200-meter long sewer pipe, which services 27 houses in the area, has caused a stream of sewage waste to flow onto the pavement, stormwater drains, and home gardens. However, Sydney Water has informed Randwick City Council that it can’t fix the blockage since this is part of a private system in one of the houses on Carrington Road.
The owner of the house might not even be aware that the blockage has caused a leak in the neighbouring properties. Some of the residents said that they have been frequently hosing their areas to remove the stench and they also have been telling passersby, especially children, to watch out for traces of human wastes in the puddles of water.
Apart from the putrid smell, the outflow of sewage water is a major health hazard.
However, Sydney Water said the extent of their service, in this case, is to provide the homeowners proper advice on how to fix the blockage and leaks, which they will have to shoulder out-of-pocket.
Randwick Deputy Mayor Philipa Veitch said that putting the responsibility of repairing an old 200-metre pipe on the homeowners could take years to transpire and might involve litigation. Instead, she asked Sydney Water to take charge.
“It’s classified as a private line but at 200-m long and under a major road, it’s too big a job for the residents to fix. Sydney Water runs our sewerage system and needs to fix this mess,” Ms Veitch said.
The Council has sought intervention from NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, whose office confirmed that they are investigating the matter and has sent people to check on the temporary fix. A spokesperson for Pavey also said that Sydney Water will continue to coordinate with the Council.
