MAITLAND, Fla. — A Maitland homeowner battling stage-four breast cancer said the city is dragging its feet when it comes to repairing her home after a sewage spill.
Betty Clark told Eyewitness News that on June 10, a construction crew from the city of Maitland ruptured a sewage line. The rupture caused human waste to flood five rooms in her home.
Clark is getting hospice care in an extended stay hotel because the sewage forced her out of her home.
“It's my last days, and I'd like to live a little more comfortable,” she said.
There's been some work done in Clark's house, but not enough for her to return.
“It’s like all my things are just thrown upside-down and disorganized. Seems like there’s not going to be any help. They don’t know what to do,” said Clark.
The spill sent sewage gushing into several homes on Old Horatio Road in Maitland.
“When I walked in here, this was already full, and this was gargling. I grabbed every beach towel, anything I could to keep it from entering the next room,” said Betty’s daughter, Shirl Clark.
The baseboards are gone and the carpet was ripped out.
Shirl Clark said they have not seen anyone from the city at their house in three weeks after the initial cleanup.
“No one had any answers. Everyone is just pointing fingers,” said Shirl Clark.
Betty Clark is overcome with grief and has only weeks to live.
“It kind of makes me feel like I don't even want to go back, like I never had a home,” Betty Clark said.
The city did not say when the repairs would begin, but officials said the city is paying for the family's hotel room.
A statement from city of Maitland: “On June 10, there was a sewer back up into three homes on Old Horatio Road related to a city lift station diversion project. The City took immediate action when notified of the back-up, engaging a company to begin immediate clean up and remediation of the impacted homes. The City arranged for lodging for those residents who could not return to their homes immediately. The City staff has continued to remain in contact with the residents as the clean-up and remediation has progressed. We believe the City took immediate and appropriate actions in response to the sewer back up and the City is continuing to work with the residents to complete the necessary clean-up and repairs.”
Cox Media Group
