MULTIPLE water and sewage issues are being addressed across Ward 97 as municipal infrastructure teams respond to damage caused by recent storms and the misuse of the sewer system.

Also read: Improper disposal causes sewage outfall in Ward 97

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge visited the Chain Rocks pump station adjacent to the railway line to assess ongoing repairs and maintenance efforts. He said that while complaints remain high, teams are working daily to restore full functionality and prevent further environmental impact.

In Amanzimtoti’s Bernadotte Street, a washed-away pipeline has been successfully replaced.

“New pedestals were cast to replace the ones that supported the line,” said Beetge, adding that additional issues have been found upstream near Amanzimtoti Primary School.

“It appears a long-standing, unresolved freshwater outfall has eventually compromised the stability of the wastewater pedestals. Given the serious implications, this has now been flagged for urgent interdepartmental investigation and attention,” he said.

At Illovo Beach, a clogged pump station had to be cleared of a massive build-up of rags.

“We found another rag ball further up in the system,” Beetge revealed. He revealed that close to 90% of blockages are not due to infrastructure failure, but rather human ignorance or disregard. He said these systems are designed for faeces and toilet paper, not rags, pads or nappies.

He confirmed that a new issue along Civic Road near the old CBD is receiving attention.  He said a collapsed manhole and cement debris are clogging the flow system.

On the stormwater front, a damaged pipe near the Umfuleni and Seadoone Road intersection, which caused the road to subside, has been temporarily repaired. It has been filled and levelled to prevent further vehicle damage, while replacement of the sub-soil piping is now in the tender stage. Beetge also announced revised shutdown times for the South Coast Augmentation pump station.

“Based on resident feedback, the daily mandatory shutdown has been adjusted from 21:00–03:00 to 15:00–21:00 until further notice,” he said.

He concluded by calling for public awareness and education around water use.

“We’ve made an urgent appeal to city management for a dedicated water reduction and education campaign. The challenges will intensify over the next few years until the Umkomaas project brings some relief around 2027 to 2029,” said Beetge.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.