Meerensee residents see red over sewage crisis

Ward 2 residents lambast the uMhlathuze municipality for severe service delivery failings

June 25, 2026

Conelia Harry 3 minutes read

Residents in Perlemoen, Meerensee remain affected as sewage line repairs that commenced in March are still ongoing

Manholes blowing open, a sickly stench of sewage, environmental pollution and mosquitoes.

This has become the norm for some Meerensee residents as ongoing sewage and water issues have now reached crisis point.

Ward 2 residents gathered on Wednesday for a public meeting convened by City of uMhlathuze Speaker Tobias Gumede, who is stand-in ward councillor since Christo Botha’s passing.

The residents lambasted the municipality for severe service delivery failings, as years of sewage challenges persist in the suburb, along with ageing pipe infrastructure and a growing concern of vagrants living in the greenbelts.

Repairs to the sewerage line in Perlemoen street have been ongoing since April, with seemingly no end in sight, negatively affecting residents’ water supply and also sparking health concerns.

Work on the sewer line in Perlemoen, Meerensee has been ongoing since April, negatively impacting residents
Photo: Erwin Kruger

They say there is unnecessary risk, and the dust and noise pollution disrupts their daily life, bringing major disruptions to the entire street.

This as well as sewage now flowing into streams, with residents subjected to the stench.

Harm Steenkamp, who lives in Garrick Rise, said of the 15 years he has lived at his property, he has experienced sewage-related challenges for more than seven.

“The manholes are about 40 metres from my property. Repeated reports to municipal departments and environmental authorities have failed to resolve the issue,” he said.

Several manholes repeatedly overflow, with sewage spilling into the nearby greenbelt area.

“On some days, the overflow happens multiple times, creating strong odours, mosquito breeding areas, and environmental pollution.

“Manholes have blown open several times because of the pressure and gases.

“Contractors have come out to clear blockages, but the problem persists because the repairs do not last.”

Residents in Perlemoen, Meerensee remain affected as sewage line repairs that commenced in March are still ongoing
Photos: Elim Britz/Richards Bay Classified/Facebook

Steenkamp said the smell from the sewage makes it difficult for his family to spend time outdoors, and affects their quality of life.

“The sewage is flowing into the greenbelt and nearby water systems, affecting wildlife, vegetation, and the area’s natural environment.

“The area used to be a beautiful walkway, but it has been destroyed.

“People cannot enjoy the area anymore because of the pollution and smell,” he said.

“My family includes an elderly mother and my young son, who are suffering with health issues owing to the gases being emitted from this sewage line.

“Our human rights are being infringed on because we are ratepayers and deserve safe, clean surroundings and reliable service delivery.”

Bay-wide issue

Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA) communications officer Sandy Camminga said numerous complaints have also been received about sewage problems from residents in other suburbs. “Sewage is flowing into Lake Mzingazi, air quality is being impacted, and it has now reached crisis levels,” said Camminga.

Responding to the concerns, City of uMhlathuze communications manager Simphiwe Makhanya said progress on infrastructure repairs continues.

“The fluctuating water pressure being experienced in Meerensee is attributable to ongoing construction and commissioning activities at the Mzingazi Water Treatment Works,” he said.

“The pressure instability is considered temporary and is expected to be resolved upon completion of the project and full integration of the upgraded infrastructure into the distribution network.

“While the pipe replacement project has been substantially completed, the decommissioning and isolation of the redundant pipeline infrastructure remains outstanding.

“For issues relating to sewage overflow in Garrick Rise, preliminary investigations have identified a backfall condition on the sewer line. The contractor responsible for the sewer replacement works behind Bream Hill has been notified, and a joint site inspection will be undertaken to assess the defect and implement an appropriate remedial solution to eliminate the recurring overflow.

“The sewer overflow located upstream of the intersection of Kolstertkring and Loodvislyn is awaiting the delivery of an excavator to site.

“Upon mobilisation of the required plant, repair works will commence. These interventions are expected to restore the operational functionality of the system and prevent further overflows,” he said.

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