Sewage puts a stink to port water activities
The Port of Durban is, unfortunately, on the receiving end of a large volume of litter, effluent and sewage.
FISHING, diving and other popular water activities at the Port of Durban have been suspended as of 9 May, following a severe sewage spill into the harbour, due to a pump failure at eThekwini’s Municipality Mahatma Gandhi Pump station.
According to corporate affairs manager, Ayanda Somagaca, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has suspended all diving operations within the port and is prohibiting all angling activities due to a severe sewage discharge that poses a risk to diving personnel and marine life. In particular the suspension of diving will have an impact on companies using the repair quays within the port’s ship repair precinct.
“The Port of Durban is, unfortunately, on the receiving end of the large volume of litter, effluent and sewage that is discharged via the storm-water reticulation system from a catchment area of over 200km² in size. The municipality has taken the pumps out of commission and is currently awaiting the arrival of spare parts from overseas in order for repairs to be effected. TNPA’s environmental department is engaging with the municipality and is appealing to port users for their cooperation as the city acts to repair the pumps,” she explained.
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DA PR ward 23 councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker, said she was appalled by the attitude of municipal officials who have been dragging their feet since February in resolving this issue of sewerage flowing into the harbour. “I have reported the seriousness of the issue to department of water and sanitation, literally pleading with the HOD for assistance. Raw sewerage has been flowing into the harbour for more than three months and seeping into the women’s shower through the outlet drains at the Point Yacht Club (PYC). This is a serious environmental and health hazard. Furthermore, after the recent floods, we could be faced with an outbreak of water-borne diseases especially posing a risk to tourists and the jetty residents at Wilson Wharf, “she said.
The manager at PYC, Darryl Williams, said that the sewage damage has been on-going for weeks and has negatively affected the functioning of the club. “The issue is still on-going and has affected not only our business operations, but also everyone around the harbour including those who live in their yachts. Marine life is also suffering, with the sewage killing it daily. The situation isn’t good at all and although some workers from the municipality have come to our premises, the process has been slow and we’ve been told that the municipality is awaiting pump equipment from overseas before the matter can be fully resolved,” explained Darryl.
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