Concern over ‘river’ of sewage flowing into uMhlanga Lagoon
The constant flow of effluent has now created its own channel of wastewater and could be a contributing factor to the high E. coli readings on uMhlanga Beach.
OVER the course of several months, thousands of litres of raw sewage have been flowing into the Ohlanga River and the uMhlanga Lagoon.
The constant flow of effluent has now created its own channel of wastewater and could be a contributing factor to the high E. coli readings on uMhlanga Beach.
Last week, Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman met with Northglen News at the sight of an overflowing manhole in the Blackburn Estate area.
The fetid odour permeates the air around the sight while grey wastewater flows into the river and lagoon.
“This was reported to me by residents and workers in the area in April. Since the time I logged the leak, however, there has been no action taken. The sheer force of sewage is so strong that it has pushed the top of the manhole cover off. It has also created its own river and is spewing out waste water at an alarming rate. Around the side of the manhole I’ve seen a number of foreign objects including rags, nappies and sanitary wear.
Also Read: High E. coli levels force several Durban beach closures
“The floods and heavy rains have affected several pump stations, including the Blackburn Village pump station which is also a contributing factor. This flow is on the uMhlanga side of the freeway. This wastewater is, of course, not the only thing flowing into the river, and ultimately the ocean, however, it is a contributing factor as to why the readings of E. coli are so high at uMhlanga. There have also been a number of sewage leaks into the ocean near the pier, which has also been a contributing factor and why the beaches remain closed,” she explained.
Bollman said the closure of the beaches and health of the water has also had a negative impact on tourism and businesses in the area.
“Tourism and all the businesses associated with it continue to suffer because of this. First it was the Covid-19 lockdown measures, then the UPL disaster and now high E. coli readings. Most people come to uMhlanga to enjoy the beaches, and as a destination that positions itself something akin to Camps Bay, this has had a devastating effect on every business. uMhlanga and its surrounds are a key tourist node; this long-term closure of beaches is hurting restaurateurs, hotels and other businesses. There is much uncertainty, especially as the festive season approaches. This requires urgent attention,” she said.
While the municipality has prioritised budget for repairs to key sewerage infrastructure, KZN premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said repairs to sewerage networks and sewerage pump stations are underway with most of these repairs set to be completed by the end of November.
