WATCH: Concern over sewage leaks into Umgeni River
Several pump stations as well as sewerage pipelines were damaged during the KZN floods.
LAST week the eThekwini Municipality reminded residents that several Durban beaches were closed due to high levels of E. coli in the water, following recent KZN floods.
Several pump stations as well as sewerage pipelines were damaged and one, in particular, was cause for grave concern.
Since the floods, raw sewage has continued to flow from a damaged section of above-ground sewerage pipes on Prince Mhlangana Road into a tributary feeding into the Umgeni River, on a daily basis.
This, coupled with an effluent leak from Northern Wastewater Treatment Works outfall pipe into the river, has spelled disaster for the overall and diminishing health of the Umgeni River and ultimately, Durban’s beaches.
Speaking on the sewage flow on Prince Mhlangana Road, Janet Simpkins, conservationist and founder of the non-profit organisation (NPO), Adopt-a-River, said she was confused about the lack of action.
“I’ve been informed this leak has been ongoing for almost a month and I’m quite baffled as to why there are no interim or short term solutions being used to contain the flow of raw sewage. We know some of the long-term fixes and repairs of wastewater infrastructure around the city will take longer due to the nature of the damage, however, this cannot be allowed to continue. Sewage water and sanitation speaks to people’s health as well as the health of the environment. This polluted water is ending up in the Umgeni River and ultimately flowing out into the ocean.
“We have been regularly testing the water in the Umgeni and certain beaches. Our last set of samples revealed alarmingly high levels. The latest city readings must also reflect unacceptably high levels which have forced recent beach closures. We will be resuming our water sampling together with Talbot following a renewed sponsorship and once again look forward to publishing results for the general public. Sadly we are not any closer to an immediate cessation of the major pollution points but we do wish to equip the public with facts so they can make informed decisions,” Simpkins said.
