Technical failures in the Mahatma Gandhi Pump Station are reported to be the source of a sewer spillage that has resulted in an unbearable stench, and spewing water flow affecting road users, residents, and harbour patrons.

eThekwini Municipality said it continues to implement urgent intervention measures to contain and mitigate the sewer overflow.

“The sewage smell is unbearable. It’s an added nightmare if one needs to cross to the harbour side. This place is supposed to be the epitome of tourism and sailing events, but this condition speaks directly against that image,” said Prakash Subramoney, who has owned a flat across the harbour for 31 years. He added that a beautiful view of boats and ships is just not enough anymore.

“The municipality is treating the matter with urgency. Repair work at the pump station remains underway following the identification of a fault affecting pumping operations. Municipal sanitation teams, engineers, and specialist technicians are working around the clock to restore full functionality to the station as quickly as possible,” said the eThekwini Municipality.

As a precautionary measure, the municipality has temporarily closed the affected central beaches impacted by the pump station overflow incident, namely Bay of Plenty, North Beach, and Battery Beach.
The City said the deployment of tanker services is assisting in alleviating pressure on the system while repair work and monitoring continue.

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