Water and sanitation under spotlight in eThekwini

The oversight visit aimed to provide a clearer understanding of water and sanitation challenges experienced by communities.

2 hours ago

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Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Jack Bloom visited the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Merebank. Photo: Supplied

THE Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Dr Jack Bloom concluded a two-day strategic oversight visit to eThekwini, placing water and sanitation service delivery, water security, environmental protection and accountability firmly under the spotlight.

Bloom did an oversight visit at the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Merebank on August 21.

The visit began with a briefing on the key water and sanitation challenges facing the municipality and included extensive on-the-ground engagements with municipal leadership, officials, communities, civic organisations and other stakeholders.

Also read: eThekwini Municipality announces planned water restriction

Bloom engaged directly with residents to hear their concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the water and sanitation challenges experienced by communities.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Jack Bloom and Ward 68 councillor Aubrey Snyman during their visit at the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Merebank. Photo: Supplied

The oversight programme also included inspections at Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Works and the Ezimbokodweni River in the Amanzimtoti Golf Club area.

According to the department, these visits focused on:

Reported pollution and sewage spills.
The condition and performance of wastewater infrastructure.
Environmental and water-quality impacts.
Contributing factors and the urgent interventions required to address identified challenges.

He emphasised that the concerns raised by communities and the conditions observed on the ground must translate into practical, measurable action.

Also read: Muddy taste in water sparks concerns

Bloom made a commitment to follow up with the department’s compliance and enforcement unit on directives issued during the oversight process to ensure that these directives are implemented and that compliance is effectively enforced.

The two-day programme further included stakeholder engagements focused on governance, accountability, service delivery and strengthening water security in eThekwini Municipality.

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