LOCAL paddlers have voiced their concerns over the state of the uMngeni River. According to paddlers, sewage has been flowing near the Connaught Bridge for more than a month.
It is believed a pump house on Roadhouse Crescent is at the centre of the leak with some suggesting that sewage is being pumped into the river deliberately.
Northglen News chatted to a few paddlers from various canoe clubs last week with some saying they have had to paddle in the ocean due to the contaminated water.
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Tyron Maher, an uMhlanga resident, said the leak had been a longstanding one.
“There’s definitely a massive problem where the sewage is flowing out because there is a distinct change in the colour of the water and the stench is overpowering. If the situation is dire near the bridge, we often paddle in circles closer to the mouth of the river. No one wants to paddle through this, it is disgusting and a massive health hazard for us as paddlers,” he said.
Durban North resident, James Tutton, said he has been put off paddling in the river due to the leak.
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“I’ve been paddling for more than 30 years and I’ve been a member of Kingfisher Canoe Club since 2004. Since this leak started more than a month ago I’ve stopped paddling in the river. For someone who lives for paddling, it’s been a bit of a heartbreak. I now go for a run instead and if I do need to paddle, I’ll do it in the ocean,” he said.
Mount Edgecombe resident, Jenna Ward, who is currently gearing up for the ICF flatwater world champs said she’s had change her paddling routes.
“This leak has had a huge impact on our training sessions so we’ve had to shorten our paddling sessions. I’m also worried about the guys who bathe in the river because this could adversely affect them,” Ward said.
According to Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, the City is set to carry out work this week to fix the issue.
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