RESIDENTS’ frustrations are mounting as concerns surrounding the raw sewage pollution in Winklespruit River, and its effects on the beach and surrounding residential areas, have gone unanswered for weeks.

Also read: Emergency maintenance at Athlone Park reservoir

This comes after eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, engaged with fellow mayors on technological solutions for improving water, sanitation and waste management services in their cities during a political forum at the Kerala Urban Conclave in India, which convened policy makers, development and planning experts and civil society representatives.

Glen Jansen, an environmental officer for the Natal Deep Sea Angling Association, resides nearby. He said that the river has given off a putrid smell for around a month which exacerbates problems facing Winklespruit beach, which has been a no-go for swimmers for the majority of the year. He also  mentioned that due to the conditions in the river, the problem of mosquitoes is becoming unbearable.

“Winklespruit River is essentially raw sewage now and it can be seen from the colour of the water. The river mouth is trickling out into the beach. These things affect tourism, it drives residents out. For sale boards are coming up around town. People are fed up of the same issues coming up so frequently,” said Jansen.

The SUN spoke to a lifeguard at Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club , who explained that due to the pollution in the river, it is a health hazard to bathe.

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge said that services such as wastewater management, provision of water and electricity directly affect both the residents who use them and the teams tasked with maintaining them.

Also read: Lower Illovo resident endures sewage nightmare

“We must acknowledge the delicate balance between ageing, inadequately maintained infrastructure and the responsible use of these systems. Ward 97 alone facilitates the five river mouths, being Msimbazi, Illovo, Winklespruit, Little Amanzimtoti and Amanzimtoti rivers, each originating inland, passing through rural areas and whatever contamination occurs along the way, eventually reaching the ocean. The nature of blockages cleared daily confirms recurring problems that include disposable nappies, sanitary pads, rags, hard paper products, fats or oils, poured down drains that later solidify. These remain key contributors to sewage outfalls,” explained Beetge.

He said that straining such services further is the pressure of rapid population growth placed on already frail infrastructure, causing demand levels far beyond what was originally anticipated.

“Residents should understand that repairs are not always a single step solution. Faults are identified and fixed through a process of elimination, and while one blockage may be resolved, another issue could exist further along the line, resulting in what seems like the same problem recurring. Wastewater infrastructure, primarily a gravity-fed system supported by a network of pump stations channeling waste to either the Kingsburgh or Amanzimtoti treatment works, often requires staff to physically walk lines, clear bush or work in challenging terrain,” said Beetge.

Also read: Water woes continue in eThekwini

eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, asserted that the city’s wastewater network team is currently working around the clock to stop pollution from entering the river. The team so far has completed a pipe repair at a home nearby to the river, cleared a blockage at Valley Road and are investigating the cause, in addition to monitoring and ensuring the operation of pump stations nearby.

Beetge urged community members to report all municipal problems through official channels.

How to report a fault:

• Call the toll-free number on 080 311 1111.
• Email eservices@durban.gov.za
• Visit the eThekwini Municipality website at www.durban.gov.za.
• Use the eThekwini Municipality mobile application, found on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
• WhatsApp eThekwini Water and Sanitation on 073 1483 477

You should receive a reference number for your report, which you may use to track progress on the fault.

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.