Toxic water flows into Mzimkhulu River

DUMPING sewage into a river is not only a human health hazard, it negatively disrupts river ecosystems, contaminates, spreads disease and can lead to environmental degradation.

Over the past couple of months thousands of litres of sewage have been flowing into Port Shepstone’s Mzimkhulu River, which means the ‘home of all rivers’ and which is renowned for its beauty and wealth of wildlife and plants.

Last Friday, the Herald joined Brian Lange and Alex Skene, members of the Umtentweni Conservancy, to investigate.

The situation is certainly dire after it was established that a massive volume of sewage was flowing from Port Shepstone, Mbango Valley, Protea Park, White City and Albersville areas into the river at different locations.

Canoeists had to launch their canoes through the ‘sewage slop’ last week, and residents are now living with the pungent odour. Sadly, fishermen say that fish stocks have also drastically decreased in the last year or two.

Justin Mackrory, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism, said that if these reports are correct then it is a major concern to the tourism industry as the river is a major sports, leisure and recreation attraction for the destination.

Councillors Carole Potter and Ajith Rajaram, on behalf of the DA Ugu South Constituency, said they are aware of the intentional emission of toxic waste water into the Mzimkhulu River.

They stated that the DA is currently undertaking a full oversight study on all the waste water treatment works and sewage emissions into our riverine systems.

“After completion thereof we will consider further charges and action to be taken against Ugu District Municipality. We cannot allow further trauma to our environment and negative impacting of our residents and tourism industry.”.

The councillors said that the Ugu municipal manager has stated that this is a political stunt, however they are acting as mandated by the residents and by law.

Sipho Khuzwayo, spokesman for Ugu, said they are currently busy with work towards addressing the overloaded pump stations within the district.

“The municipality has discovered that the pumping main from Port Shepstone to the low-lying pump station is in a dire state, attributable to corrosion. Corrective measures are in place to drop the load of sewage from the highly stressed pipeline,” he said.

He said the municipality has appointed a contractor to conduct sewer refurbishments, and repair the pumping main.

“A site clearance has been carried out and the contractor is expected to proceed with necessary repairs. Work is in progress and internal teams are placed to ensure that sewage is removed from the surrounding pump stations to drop the load from an already stressed pipeline.”

Water and sanitation related queries, leaks and burst pipes and illegal water connections are to be reported to ward councillors or call 08000 WATER (92837) or 039 688 5830/36 or SMS 44751.