THE Democratic Alliance has given the eThekwini Municipality until Saturday, March 18, to respond to their demands about the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works. The demands were written in a memorandum they handed over to the Treatment Works which was handed to a representative of the mayor’s office on Saturday, March 11, during their march.
Related article: DA marches to Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works
The DA joined the community of Glen Park who said they are at their wits end about the sewage issue that seems to be a growing problem for them and some communities in the Upper Highway area and greater Durban. The Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works was reported to have been overflowing with sewage due to the damage that was caused by the April 2022 floods. Leading the march on Saturday was the provincial chairperson, Dean Macpherson, West Durban Political Head; Martin Meyer, chairperson; ward councillor Vincent Mkhize; councillors Melanie Brauteseth and Chris van den Berg, along with a number of eThekwini councillors. Stating in their letter to the head of the Water and Sanitation Department, Ednick Msweli, and the City manager, Musa Mbhele, the DA said: “It is now 11 months since the floods, and still very little progress has been made, while the pollution of the important Umbilo River continues, and the health and quality of life of those living along the river, and the community around the waste waterworks, is being negatively affected.”
The community along with the DA gave the municipality seven days from the day of the march to respond to their demands in writing.
1. A full timeline of the repairs of the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works, from the date of the commencement to date of completion.
2. Weekly publication of water-quality test results of the Umbilo River.
3. The presentation of a plan to deal with the bad odour surrounding the Umbilo Wastewater Works, which is affecting the community.
4. Full disclosure of the contractors engaged by the eThekwini Metro to repair the Umbilo Wastewater Works.
5. Full disclosure of the costs of the repairs of the Umbilo Wastewater Works.
6. A monthly progress meeting between eThekwini Department of Water and Sanitation, contractors involved in the repairs of Umbilo Wastewater Works, and ward councillors of wards 18 and 23.
The memorandum was received by a representative of the mayor’s office, Njabulo Zungu.
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