CONSUMER abuse, vandalism, theft, the discarding of fats and napkins into the the sewer line and illegal connections have been blamed for the ongoing sewerage problem in Merebank. The sewage flows into Cutting Beach, causing pollution that affects fishing
CONSUMER abuse, vandalism, theft, the discarding of fats and napkins into the the sewer line and illegal connections have been blamed for the ongoing sewerage problem in Merebank.
“Further to this, many households have encroached onto the city’s sewer lines, which makes it difficult to speedily access the infrastructure. We suffer relentless theft, vandalism and abuse of our sewer infrastructure, such as dumping of unwanted or foreign objects into the sewer system and illegal connections leading to sewer blockages and overflows, which also leads to infrastructure failures,” said Gugu Sisilana, spokesperson for the eThekwini municipality.
Resident had complained last week about the ongoing and worsening stench from the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works (SWTW) in Merebank.
This, they said, was compounded by periodic sewage overflows in the last three years which had impacted their lives, health and environment.
Subsistence fishermen also claimed that they had suffered earning losses as they had not caught any fish due to sewage pollution at Cuttings Beach in Merebank.
Sisalana said they urged residents and businesses to “change their attitude and stop introducing foreign objects into the sewer system as it was only designed to handle water, human waste and tissue.”
“Population growth is also a major issue in these areas. In most cases sewer blockages are caused by hardened oil fats, rags, disposable nappies and many other foreign objects. This has an impact on beaches, rivers and the environment,” she added.
She said at present, the only problems onsite at the SWTW was a major leak that had been detected on the sea outfall line and the replacement of air valves.
“During high flow and inclement weather, it surfaces and flows alongside the fence and this area is limed daily. A contract has been awarded for the assessment of repairing the pipeline. This is a complex job that cannot be done overnight but is currently underway and estimated completion is within five months. Progress will be discussed in December 2024 at the Environmental Forum for the South Wastewater Treatment Works. We also have ward-based programs that are implemented in this area to address sewer blockages. The city has repaired several pipes to restore flows in these areas. Most pump stations are operational and if problems arise, we tanker the effluent as part of our immediate intervention,” she added.
Upgrades were undertaken in 2017 and 2019 to the SWTW.
“The construction of the low-level sumps reduced the frequent bypasses onto the beach by increasing storage capacity. This accounts for far less beach closures even during flood events. SWTW services more than half of the city and the works effluent is still contained.
“Mobile deodorisers and chemicals were purchased and are run during pumping activities and maintenance onsite. Fixed deodorisers were installed around the low-level sumps after complaints were received when it was first commissioned in 2019. A thorough odour management activity plan, including pump schedules, flushing of tanks and fixed deodorisers, was discussed for weeks with the residents and councillor and the issue was resolved.
“An odour study was completed via a professional services contract and the findings of the study are being workshopped internally and with the Department of Health. The actions will be implemented after consultations with the various stakeholders are complete,” she said.
During an investigation into some odour complaints received, the City also found that odours emanated from manholes and pumpstations that were damaged and overflowing but were in close proximity to the SWTW.
“A ward-based programme is implemented in this area to address blockages. We have improved on swift response to non-compliances. The maintenance contract will strengthen this position when it comes into effect in December 2024. Additional operational and capital budgets had been requested in the current budgeting cycle to close the gap on current deficiencies,” she said.
Regarding the sewage pollution at Cuttings Beach, Sisilana said the City followed the beach incident management protocol during extreme rainfall circumstances and bypasses.
“Our parks department is responsible for closing and opening the beaches once any identified pollution is cleared. The authorities and all stakeholders and residents are always informed when this occurs. Beach water quality results are available on sign boards at the beach and on www.durban.gov.za,” she added.