Durban port still contaminated by sewage

TRANSNET National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) suspension of fishing and commercial diving in the Port of Durban remains in place following the discharge of sewage into the port from eThekwini Municipality’s sewer reticulation system.

Simphiwe Mazibuko, TNPA Port of Durban Environmental Manager, said the latest rounds of port-wide water quality monitoring commissioned by TNPA and conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on 10, 20 and 24 May, indicate that the magnitude of the faecal contamination in the port is decreasing.

However, the water quality is still classified as poor, and contamination levels still present a risk to human health.

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“The Port of Durban is in regular engagements with the eThekwini Municipality regarding this matter. Another round of port-wide water quality monitoring will be conducted during the week ending Friday, 31 May. If there is no further significant discharge of sewage into the port and the water quality improves, TNPA may be in a position to lift the suspension on diving and fishing. The port landlord remains duty-bound to mitigate the threat of infection to port users and the public,” said Mazibuko.

Two of the pumps at the Municipality’s Mahatma Gandhi Pump Station have been operational since last Monday, and the eThekwini Municipality is addressing the discharge of sewage into the port.

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