Ongoing Water Issues in KwaZulu-Natal Spark Concerns Over Wastewater Treatment Works and Environmental Degradation

Strategic Insights -

Amid ongoing water issues in KwaZulu-Natal, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised concerns over the operational status of eThekwini's wastewater treatment works, revealing alarming statistics and community frustrations regarding environmental degradation and public health risks. The DA's spokesperson on environmental affairs for KZN, Hannah Lidgett, questioned the state of infrastructure at the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs), with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) confirming that only three of eThekwini's six WWTWs were operating at full capacity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Only three of eThekwini's six wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) are operating at full capacity, with the remaining three facilities (Umbilo, uMhlanga, and Northern) running at 50% to 70% efficiency.
  • The eThekwini Municipality has been issued with a Section 28 Nema directive to address the contamination of rivers, wetlands, and coastal areas following the 2022 floods.
  • Dr. Bonginkosi Dlamini, chief director of environmental management for the Edtea, confirmed that the repairs were undertaken by the eThekwini Municipality, but not all facilities are fully functional.
  • The department has opened five cases against the eThekwini Municipality for sewer-related pollution in Phoenix, Isipingo, Winklespruit, Verulam, and uMlazi.
  • Residents are frustrated with the lack of urgency regarding the water crisis, with many facing microbial threats and diminished access to clean water.
  • The Verulam Water Crisis Committee (VWCC) condemned the eThekwini's wastewater failures as environmental sabotage and economic vandalism.
  • The eThekwini Reeve has made strides to improve service delivery, and the city is placing clamps on water mafias and incompetent service delivery contractors.

Statistics:

  • 3 of 6 WWTWs are operating at full capacity.
  • 3 WWTWs (Umbilo, uMhlanga, and Northern) are running at 50% to 70% efficiency.
  • 5 criminal cases have been opened against the eThekwini Municipality for environmental violations.
  • 2026-2027 is the projected timeline for all WWTWs to be fully operational.

Sources:

  • Lidgett, H. (2023). Parliamentary questions to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
  • Dlamini, B. (2023). Reply to Lidgett's parliamentary questions.
  • Edtea. (2023). Section 28 Nema directive to eThekwini Municipality.
  • Lil-Ruthan, R. (2023). Statement to the Verulam Water Crisis Committee.
  • Prahladh, I. (2023). Interview with the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association.