Sewage caused Tongaat river chaos

Blocked sewer drains in Tongaat and Hambanathi are thought to have been the cause of the dead fish and black water in the Tongaat River mouth two weeks ago.

An investigation by Ethekwini municipality found sewer drains located above Tongaat Hulett Sugar Mill (adjacent to the old treatment works and Gopal Hurbans Road) and at Thobigazi Road in Hambanathi were blocked by litter.

This resulted in sewage overflow into the Tongaat River.

According to KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife communications manager, Musa Mntambo, assurance had been given that the blockages have been rectified.

“Ethekwini municipality is monitoring the situation and will be keeping us updated of any further issues,” he said.

KZN Ezemvelo Wildlife and eThekwini also checked two other possible sources, the Tongaat waste water treatment works and the Tongaat Hulett sugar mill, but these were cleared.

Sembcorp Siza Water, which services the Zimbali waste water treatment works, was also found to be compliant.