[VIDEO] Ugu dumps raw sewage into Umbango River
Investigations have shown that the river is in a shocking condition.
AFTER numerous complaints from residents about the stench and the disgusting state of the Umbango River, the Democratic Alliance conducted an investigation and ran tests on the water.
When the DA visited the Umbango Wastewater Treatment plant it was discovered that Ugu municipality was dumping raw sewage into the Umbango River from its water treatment plant.
During the visit it was also discovered that the sludge pump has been broken for three months, and the clarifier, aerators and dewatering system were also broken.
“We discovered that the plant also experiences a severe lack of capacity. It was built to handle 12kl a day of sewage but due to the urban developments in the Port Shepstone area, it is now forced to handle up to 15kl a day of raw sewage. This is the result of excess sewage being pumped into holding pools,” explained councillor Doug Rawlins.
He added that the DA has also run independent bacteriological water tests above and below the plant.
“The appalling results showed that the water consists of faecal pollution and E.coli bacteria,” he said. He explained that the E.coli bacteria results in severe diarrhoea, vomiting and skin infections from either direct contact or by eating fish caught in water which contains bacteria.
The Mbango River flows directly on to Port Shepstone’s main beach, which is frequently used by swimmers, surfers and fishermen, so the pollution directly impacts on the health of all users of the beach and lagoon.
“This has a huge impact on the entire South Coast’s economy. If beaches are polluted with faeces, holidaymakers will go to other areas. This will result in hotel closures and job losses,” said a concerned Cllr Rawlins.
“Sanitation and waste water treatment form a vital part of Ugu’s service delivery. Its failure is due to poor governance and lack of political administration,” he said.
“The mayor and municipal manager have to take ultimate responsibility for this failure. The Democratic Alliance calls for an urgent council debate on this failure,” he concluded.
Councillor Rawlins took this video of the sewage being pumped into the river.
