Water quality improves at Durban Harbour

SEVERAL beaches along Durban’s coast were closed when E.coli was found in the water recently.

This followed several sewage spills last year, including a massive spill in November when raw sewage flowed down Lavender Creek into the Durban Port, leaving the water discoloured while a strong odor hung over the Point Yacht Club’s boat yard.

At the time (November 9), the eThekwini Municipality issued a statement that noted the sewage spill resulted from a complication at the Mahatma Gandhi Pump Station, which flooded after load shedding damaged the pumping equipment. While repairs to the pump station were completed on November 11, sewage leaks continued last week. This time the City said work to install a new transformer at the Johanna Road sewage pump station had commenced.

Speaking to the Berea Mail, the City said, “Work is currently underway and the Electricity Unit is due to put in a new substation. The City is working towards ensuring that as soon as possible the station commences with its operations.”

Also read: Two beaches remain closed as others open with immediate effect

Local impact

While ongoing sewage leaks have caused a stink at the Port of Durban, the operations manager for the Point Yacht Club, Garreth Riddle, said water conditions have since improved. While he still spots rubbish flowing down Lavender Creek, Riddle said there was an improvement in water quality after the pumps were replaced at the beginning of December.

“It seems to be good the majority of the time. Sometimes we get this white, murky residue. It happened this morning (January 17) with the change of the tides, but we aren’t seeing the raw sewage coming out anymore,” he said

“The sewage leak has affected us a lot, with the smell. We had to cancel a lot of events due to the condition of the water. Obviously it affected our restaurant and bar. Club members don’t want to come down here with the smell and the health hazard. It has affected us in the long run,” said Riddle.

While conditions have improved, he said the coast was not completely clear.

“We still have a problem with the smell in the silt. We will always have that problem until the city comes to dredge it out. That is a problem because I don’t know how toxic the soil is and if it can even be worked on. That’s also a big issue,” he said.

Also read: Sand artists ‘digs deep’ during beach closure

Upcoming events

As conditions improve, the Point Yacht Club will resume tits Wednesday Night Sailing Series.

“Anyone can join. If they don’t have a boat, they can let us know in advance and we can find a crew for them to join. Spectators are also welcome to come down and enjoy the music, food and festivities,” he said.

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