Sewage stench plagues Oslo Beach

Driving along the R102, from Marburg to Port Shepstone and Shelly Beach to Port Shepstone via Marine Drive, has to be the worst route as a sudden stench likened to rotten eggs hits the air.

Sewage in the Mbango River over several months has resulted in a combination of numerous gases. Residents have been exposed to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, methane and carbon dioxide – all these gases combined releases a smell like rotten eggs.

This is believed to be causing health issues for many living and working in Oslo Beach.

Human rights activist and senior member of the ANC in the region, Selvan Chetty, has come out strongly against the poor service delivery by local government departments.

“It is a crying shame that residents and business owners have had to endure the overwhelming sulphuric stench emanating from the polluted Mbango River for months, if not years. I recently had to attend a business meeting in Oslo Beach and I was unable to continue due to the terrible stench that blanketed the area.”

“This is unacceptable and requires urgent action from the local and district municipalities. It poses a serious health and environmental risk to our local communities,” added Chetty.

He called on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs to intervene.
Chairperson of the Umbango River Conservancy, Morgan Naidoo, said the recurring issue of sewage and toxic waste is of concern. “This requires immediate intervention by authorities. The rainy season is upon us, heavy rains will assist in clearing the build up of sludge and soften the stench. However, Ugu District Municipality has to ensure that its treatment plant and sewerage system is 100% compliant, so that the problem does not recur.”

Meanwhile, those who are suffering, are people working and living around the Mbango River.

Jan Breytenbach of Powerflow Exhaust has serious lung problems believed to be from breathing the toxic fumes. Doctors have advised him to move his business.

“Two of my staff have resigned as they became sick regularly. My customers, most of whom are taxi owners, say they can’t sit and wait for their vehicles as the stench is bad. The municipalities have failed us. They don’t care, if they did, we wouldn’t have these problems,” said Breytenbach.

Jacques Niemandt from Goldwagen said: “The stench has a detrimental effect on my business. This section of property has suffered tremendously, from flooding to the continuous sewage stench. No one is interested in solving this crisis and no maintenance has been carried out along this river,” he said.

Niemandt added that he will be moving premises soon.

Sheraine Jones from Coastal Cellular said the stench is affecting many people. “We are gasping to breathe and can’t eat at our workplace. It is sad that authorities don’t take this seriously as businesses are losing customers.”

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