Southern Illinois Town Dealing With Sewage Backup

A southern Illinois town is battling flooding and sewage issues caused by rain resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Sewage has flooded yards and basements in Centerville, Illinois creating health hazards for residents. 

“You don’t have to see the sewage to know there is a problem, you can smell it,” said Walter Johnson, a Winthrop Professor of History and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University.

Residents say city officials have done little to solve the problem. 

Centerville is one of the poorest towns in the country. Residents earn an average income of $17,000, which makes it difficult for them to relocate. 

Guests: Nicole Nelson, attorney and founder of Equity Legal Services, Inc. Earlie Fuse, a 28 year resident of Centreville, Illinois. Walter Johnson, a professor of history, African and African-American studies at Harvard University.