For many years residents of Umbango had to bear the brunt of ongoing pollution. Their cries for help from the powers that be have fallen on deaf ears.
Raw sewage and chemicals are a common sight in the Umbango River.
The hard hit areas are Deepvale Road and Crescent Street in Umbango. Nepal Davenarian a resident on Deepvale Road said it has become unbearable for residents.
“Recently I hosted a function at home and it was heartbreaking to respond to my guests about the stench. Every year it’s the same problem. Sewage or chemicals that flow along these streams leave a strong stench day and night.”
Morgan Naidoo, chairman of the Umbango River Conservancy said three weeks ago the water flowing from Marburg into Umbango was white.
“It smelt like chemicals and officials even acknowledged it. This time we decided to include water sampling because Ugu always denies it, and sometimes a visual does not carry weight. Officials said they will look into the matter. Sadly this is a recurring problem and nothing is being done,” said Mr Naidoo.
He added that there is constant seepage of chemicals into the rivers. Illegal dumping, discarding of garbage bags and alcohol bottles along road verges are a major problem for the conservancy.
“The municipality needs to address this as a matter of urgency. Where are the cleanup teams? We cannot continue to destroy our streams and rivers,” explained Mr Naidoo.
Ward councillor, Ajith Rajaram said he has addressed the issue of pollution flowing in the Umbango River on many occasions. “Residents are suffering with the bad stench, it’s sometimes chemicals or sewage. Officials who are in charge of water and environmental affairs need to take action against perpetrators or culprits.”
Ugu District Municipality spokesperson, France Zama said the municipality is aware of faults at the Mbango Waste Water Treatment Works, these were caused by dysfunctional mechanical and electrical components. The recent floods also exacerbated matters as pollution from upstream added to the problem.
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