Flood debris impacts ship movements in Durban port

THE port authority began a major clean-up today to remove the large volumes of waste and vegetation from the port after the recent heavy rains and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal. In a statement, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) at the Port of Durban said the deluge left behind was ‘an unsightly scene just days after World Earth Day was observed globally on 22 April’.

Acting Durban Port Manager, Nokuzola Nkowane, said all Transnet operating divisions were carrying out assessments to establish the full extent of damage caused by the storm.

The debris included large logs that posed a threat to the safe navigation of the harbour craft which are used to guide vessels safely in and around the port. While the port has been fully operational however, the ingress of waste impacted on vessel movements and as of midday on Wednesday three vessels were unable to berth or sail in the Maydon Wharf precinct, Nkowane confirmed.

Read also – Month of cleaning expected in wake of flood

“The combined catchment area of the rivers, canals and storm-water drainage systems that drain into the port is over 200km2 in size. The unfortunate reality is the port waters are on the receiving end of the large volume of litter, effluent and sewage that is discharged into the storm-water reticulation system within the catchment,” said Nkowane.

“We must all take responsibility for the well-being of the ocean and coastal environment, and as TNPA we want to help create awareness and promote sustainable practices for the benefit of present and future generations,” she said.

TNPA has been in regular engagements with the eThekwini Municipality regarding the interventions required to address the ingress of waste and effluent into the port from the municipal stormwater network which drains a significant portion of the Durban metropolitan area.

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