A sewage pump station in Cowies Hill was reportedly pumping waste water into a local stream.

Lee D’Eathe of independent environmental watchdog, Palmiet River Watch (PRW), said the waste water was being pumped from the pump station on Methven Road into the Kingfisher Stream on Monday, ultimately flowing into the Palmiet River.

D’Eathe said the issue with the pump station has been “on and off” for some years and that the recent incident has been reported to the eThekwini Municipality.

“There are numerous recurring sources, as one is fixed, another appears,” said D’Eathe when asked whether the pump station on Methven Road has been fixed.

Also read: Palmiet River rehab project crisis

The municipality was yet to respond to an enquiry by the Highway Mail.

The area’s ward councillor Melanie Brauteseth said she has contacted the official at the pump station who “confirmed that the issue causing the recurring tripping of the pump has been resolved”.

“If  I recall, it was fittings that were required,” said Brauteseth.

Meanwhile, the PRW has cautioned that the violation of water waste permits threatens Durban’s waterways and has called for the urgent enforcement of relevant by-laws to mitigate the situation.

@caxtonlocalmedia Dirty truth in Cowies Hill! A sewage pump station has been caught pumping waste into a local stream, flowing straight into the Palmiet River. The area’s ward councillor said on Friday morning (24 October) nthat the issue has been resolved. #CaxtonDurban #CowiesHill #PalmietRiver #PollutionAlert #HighwayMail ♬ original sound – caxtonlocalmedia

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