DURBAN – The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has decided to address reports of recent sewage incidents in Durban in recent weeks.
In a statement, SDCEA said it received many complaints on social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as through emails and calls, about the sewage and leaks in and around Durban.
SDCEA said the communities of Merebank, Wentworth, Bluff, Isipingo, Amanzimtoti and Umkomaas on the south coast bear the brunt of the foul stench or leaks within their neighbourhoods.
“The biggest harbour in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban harbour, rivers, canals, streams are flowing with sewage from the dysfunctional sewerage system that has collapsed in the past years due to poor maintenance from the responsible wastewater and sanitation department,” SDCEA said.
SDCEA said the infrastructure was built decades ago to accommodate a smaller population back then, and as time progressed the population has increased drastically. Also taking into consideration the continuous influx to urban areas by people seeking employment and other opportunities, resulting in the building informal settlements. This has put pressure on the infrastructure leading it to collapse.
“There are also many companies that illegally dump their waste into the river, canals etcetera through illegally connected pipes, drain outlets unknown to the municipality. These companies take advantage of dumping oil waste and other chemical substances either at night or during the weekends, knowing well that no one will hold them accountable because no monitoring is done by authorities during those days or times.
“When these incidences happen, it does not only cause damage to the environment, health and wellbeing of the people, but the entire ecosystem is affected,” SDCEA
SDCEA said all communities are urged to report any sewage, oil or any other water pollution-related issues to the eThekwini Municipality on 080 131 3013
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