EThekwini fast-tracks sewer infrastructure repairs
|Published
The recent floods caused damage to wastewater treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure which subsequently resulted in sewerage pollution. File Picture: The Umgeni River. Picture: African News Agency (ANA) Archives
DURBAN - Following threats of pollution and water-borne diseases in rivers in the eThekwini Municipality after the floods due to damage to sewer infrastructure, the city says it continues to monitor water quality in rivers and beaches through sampling and field surveys.
The recent floods caused damage to wastewater treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure which subsequently resulted in sewerage pollution.
“The city has repaired minor sewer infrastructure faults with teams also fast-tracking repairs to major sewer infrastructure through the Disaster Procurement Forum,” said eThekwini spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.
Mayisela said in the interests of public health, all beaches across the municipality remain closed until further notice.
“Communities are advised to avoid swimming, fishing, recreational and sporting activities as well as traditional activities in rivers and streams,” he said.
The municipality said river systems that are flagged as pollution hot spots due to sewer overflows or damaged and washed away sewer lines include:
– Mbokodweni
– uMhlanga
– uMbilo
– uMlaas
– uMhlatuzana
– uMdloti
– oThongathi
– Ohlanga
– Isipingo
– uMkhumbane
– Palmiet
– uMgeni
– Wewe
– Umhlangane
– Toti
– Umkomaas
The municipality also said that residents should not drink water from unreliable sources.
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