The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) environmental management team earlier concluded its day-long (Thursday, December 30) visit to the Uvongo sewer spill site.

This included engagements with both Ray Nkonyeni and Ugu District municipalities.

All parties have agreed on a plan of action to mitigate and ultimately resolve the issue.

Tankers are already on site to pump and remove accumulating sewage, following the directives issued by EDTEA.

The technical teams will simultaneously work on repairs to the pump stations and break in the pipe.

Water quality testing will continue until readings reflect satisfactory water quality to allow reopening of the Uvongo Beach.

The situation will be reviewed on Monday, January 3, 2022.

EDTEA records its concern at the apparent lack of proper management of the relevant pump stations and will await the outcome of further investigations in this regard.

Ray Nkonyeni has a commendable record of the most beaches with blue flag status along its 70km coastline and should not allow this record to be threatened.

EDTEA will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the parties comply with their obligations in terms of  environmental legislation.

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