Anger at sewage stench in Margate
Floods in April had extensively damaged the sewer lines and infrastructure.
The unbearable stench of sewage has been hanging over Marine Drive in Margate, Margate main beach, and some parts of Uvongo, and business owners and residents are infuriated.
Floods in April had extensively damaged the sewer lines and infrastructure.
“Regrettably, damages on the pipeline are major, and we are awaiting funding approval from either provincial or national government,” said Ugu District Municipality spokesman France Zama.
He added that the municipality is currently using VTS trucks to minimise the situation. The recent floods in April completely destroyed the sewer line and infrastructure as well as Margate 3A pump station.
“Eskom has just replaced the damaged transformer and is preparing to test supply to Margate 3A. This will allow mechanical and electrical teams to test the pump station wiring and pump operational status. However, reticulation teams are still busy jetting gravity lines and clearing to remove grit accumulation, ” said Zama.
He assured the community that the municipality is attending to the matter.
Last week, Margate residents stated that they saw sewer trucks dumping sewage into the Nkongweni River.
However, this was not the case as Ugu was using vacuum trucks to suck up sewage to contain the spillage while a jetter was used to clear blockages that might hinder sewage flows in the system.
Zane Nadasen said: “The situation is unacceptable and is affecting our business. The stench is terrible and unhygienic. Ugu needs to sort it out instead of just sucking the mess out.”
A resident said Margate has taken a huge knock. “I only hope that this problem is sorted out soon as businesses are suffering,” she said.
Joe Kewl said on the Herald’s Facebook page: “Margate is really going through too much. Hopefully, these issues can be sorted out quickly.”
Another resident, Yolande Goldswain, said: “Margate will never recover until the pump station and dumping in the river is sorted out. The pump station has space for three pumps; if that works, the river can recover, and Margate can be well again.”
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality had issued a notice suspending bathing and recreational activities on several beaches due to bad weather and sea conditions last Sunday.
The affected beaches that are closed until further notice are Hibberdene, Umzumbe, Southport, St Mike’s, Uvongo, Manaba, Margate, Ramsgate, Marina, Trafalgar and Port Edward.
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