Another sewage spill into Mbango River
Days turned into weeks and the problem was not fixed.
The Mbango River flows directly on to the Port Shepstone main beach, which is frequently used by swimmers, surfers and fishermen.
However, yet another raw sewage spill has blighted the area and, despite being reported to Ugu District Municipality, was left unchecked for weeks.
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Six weeks ago, Adrian van Vuuren, who works for a business situated next to the river, reported sewage leaking from a manhole at the entrance to the Port Shepstone Borough Grounds.
It is believed that Ugu staff arrived, inspected the leak, and left.
According to Mr Van Vuuren, he assumed the workers had gone to collect spares or to fix the problem at the pump station at the grounds.
“However, days turned into weeks and the problem was not fixed. It was reported three times, with no response from the municipality, leaving us to put up with the stench,” he said.
“Finally, we decided enough was enough and called the Herald.”
According to one woman who lives near the river, this type of water contamination has affected the fish and bird life for years.
“Why does Ugu allow this to happen and why does it take so long to repair a serious sewage leak?” she asked.
After visiting the site on Thursday last week, the Herald contacted Vella Gramoney, environmental health manager at Ugu, who dispatched a plumber to the sewage treatment plant at the borough grounds.
The leak had stopped by Tuesday this week.
Ugu was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to print.
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