THE KwaMashu Wastewater Treatment Works which discharges into the Umhlangane River has experienced a failure of four pumping units at its inlet pumpstation.

The affected pumping units are currently put offline to commission necessary repairs, resulting in only a single pump being available to pump the incoming flow to the works. The remaining unit is unable to handle the flow to the plant and untreated raw sewage is being discharged to the river.

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“Members of the public are prohibited from using the river water below the treatment works for consumption or any recreational activities during this period. The affected areas will be demarcated with relevant signage. The municipality will undertake all necessary action to rehabilitate the river once the treatment works reaches full compliance,” said municipality spokesman Mandla Nsele.

“Some flow is being diverted to the old treatment works to reduce the volume of untreated effluent going to river. The effluent is currently screened, degritted and disinfected to reduce environmental and public health impacts on the river. The river will be aerated to increase oxygen levels and assist aquatic life. It will also be monitored and sampled daily with samples being sent to the laboratory for testing.”

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