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Huge Manhole Causes Couple's Home to Flood, They Claim City Didn't Fix it for Four Months

In the City of Big Spring, when it rained on Wednesday night, it poured. For one couple, this made an ongoing problem even bigger. ?
By Alicia Neaves
NewsWest 9

BIG SPRING - In the City of Big Spring, when it rained on Wednesday night, it poured. For one couple, this made an ongoing problem even bigger.

Under a big pile of dirt in front of the home of Luis and Velma Flores is a big problem.

Up until Thursday morning, it was a huge manhole, about three feet in diameter.

"Every time it rains, it fills up. So when it fills up, it goes into our main hole at the house," Homeowner, Velma Flores, said.

When the rains flooded Big Spring Wednesday night, the water filled the huge hole and the inside of the couple's home and their neighbors home too.

"All that stuff came up inside the house. It ruined the floor, hallway, the carpet, the tile," Velma said.

The couple says they called the city months ago when the sewer lid was cracked.

"[The city worker] used a sledgehammer to break it loose but he broke the lid. That's where it all started. He broke the lid and put cones around it and left it like that for months," Homeowner, Luis Flores, said.

Up until their home started flooding Wednesday night, they claim nothing was done.

"I understand that they can't come right away when somebody calls. I understand that. But if at least they would call you back and say, 'We're on it. We're working on it.' But it took them over four months to do anything about it, and for this to happen," Velma said.

"It's just like, 'We're working on it, we'll get it resolved,' And everything else. But it takes something major to happen for something to get resolved," Neighbor, Diane Yanez, said.

In a Public Service Announcement sent by the City of Big Spring Thursday morning, they say that late Wednesday they were told about the large hole and a crew was sent out right away.

It reads, "In attempt to hold back the flow of water, a dam was built around the hole. City crews will be working to repair this area of the street today, Thursday, September 18, 2014. Please be patient as we work to restore services. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to residents."

Velma and Luis say they were told by their councilman that the city will pay for all damages.

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