Over R400m needed to repair Durban’s sewerage infrastructure

AT least R460m is required to repair pump stations and sewerage infrastructure across the city following the devastating rains earlier this year.

Thousands of people were displaced and left homeless by heavy torrential rains in April and May which resulted in the loss of more than 440 lives and billions of rands worth of damage to infrastructure.

In a press briefing last week detailing the City’s response to flood relief efforts, eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said they plan to fast-track repairs of flood-damaged sewerage infrastructure that is currently causing pollution to the environment and rivers and oceans.

In recent months, multiple sewage leaks have plagued parts of Durban and surrounds.

Also Read: Concern over ‘river’ of sewage flowing into uMhlanga Lagoon

This has been compounded by the fact that several beaches across Durban have been closed due to high E. coli readings and water-quality concerns.

Kaunda said of concern was Johanna Road (Sea Cow Lake) and Ohlange (Blackburn) Sewage Pump Stations as well as the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works which are largely responsible for the contamination problems.

“We are happy to announce that work to repair this sanitation infrastructure is about to commence following the allocation of disaster relief funding from National Treasury to rehabilitate. While most welcome, this funding of R184m is inadequate, so we have reprioritised our budget to fast-track these much-needed repairs. The estimated cost of the repairs is R160m for pump stations and over R300m for Water Treatment Works,” Kaunda explained.

“A number of pump stations and wastewater treatment works such as Johana and Ohlange Sewage Pump Stations are largely responsible for the contamination of our sea water. The Northern Wastewater Treatment Works is also adding to our problems. It is our fervent hope that these all-important repairs will ensure that our beaches are not contaminated so that they can remain open throughout the festive season,” he said.

Also Read: KZN premier briefs province on flood relief efforts and sewage issues

While the City has taken the decision to reopen some beaches due to improvement of water quality, 15 beaches across eThekwini (both north and south) remain closed.

“From the onset, we acknowledge the frustration and inconvenience that the closure of beaches has caused the public and the business community and we apologise unreservedly. Beaches are a major tourist drawcard in Durban, and their closure is disappointing to locals and visitors alike. However, the safety of the public is paramount, which is why we are testing our water regularly to ascertain its quality,” he said.

Laguna, Thekwini Main Beach, Westbrook, Bronze, uMhlanga Main, uMdloti, Isipingo, Reunion, Pipeline, Toti Main, Warner, Baggies, Winklespruit, Garvies and Ansteys beaches remain closed to the public for recreational activities.