Ugu tests Margate sewer pipeline

The issue of raw sewage in Margate and surrounding towns, which has been flowing into rivers and lagoons, has been reported many times.

Floods in April had extensively damaged the Margate sewer pipeline, which is the cause of the spillage.

Geraldine Moatshe of Margate said a meeting was recently held by Ugu District Municipality where they requested a three-month extension period to repair it.

“The process of fixing the pipeline should have started already, but they asked for an extension because they said there was no money.”

Moatshe said they have now asked to meet with the mayor so that they can get answers.

The municipality’s spokesperson, France Zama, said they had a timeframe where they thought that the repairs would be complete by now.

“We had challenges which caused a delay; hence, we asked for an extension. There was a shortage of materials, and we had to wait.”

Zama said they are aware of the situation, and they are humbly pleading with the communities to bear with them as they are now in the testing stage.

He said engineers are now testing the pipeline, and unfortunately, while they are doing so, people still have to make use of their toilets.

“We are testing if the sewer line will pump correctly to its pump stations, then the repair of the pipeline with start.”

When asked about a timeline for completion of the project, he said he was unable to give one.

However, he said the system, once built, will not be affected by floods in future.

Also, with regard to sewage on Margate beachfront, Zama said that the pipeline replacement project in Nkongweni was successfully completed on August 24.

“After testing, a blockage was identified, and faulty air valves were replaced. A subsequent exercise confirmed clearance of the blockage, and the team is currently reassembling sections for jetting.”

He said the next phase involves cleaning the Margate 3A sump, with manual operation of pumps until grit and sand levels are minimised.

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