Concerns grow over eThekwini's wastewater treatment facilities amid water crisis

IOL News

4 days ago

Residents collecting bottles to store water during water cuts.
Image: Leon Lestrade
AMID ongoing water issues in KwaZulu-Natal, the Democratic Alliance 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.
In a parliamentary question, Hannah Lidgett, the DA spokesperson on environmental affairs for KZN questioned the state of infrastructure at the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTWs).
In its reply, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) confirmed that only three of eThekwini's six WWTWs - in Kwandengezi, Glenwood, Umdloti, Northern, Umbilo, and Umhlanga - were operating at full capacity and repairs were needed.
Lidgett also questioned how many environmental rehabilitation projects had been initiated since 2022 to address the contamination of rivers, wetlands and coastal areas.
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Dr Bonginkosi Dlamini, chief director of environmental management for EDTEA responded that the repairs were undertaken by eThekwini Municipality in response to the S28 of NEMA Directive (remediation of environmental damage) which was issued by this department to the city to address the contamination following the 2022 flooding.
Lidgett also asked what percentage of the repair projects were fully operational.
Dlamini responded that all the pump stations (100%) were operational post repairs but not fully functional.
'However, these facilities do experience overflows which is in most cases due to high rainfall and occasionally when there is blockage in the system due to foreign objects.
'All the repaired sewer networks (100%) are operational. All WWTWs are functional and have improved in terms of compliance on the outflow water quality results. It must be noted, however, that not all facilities are fully functional,' said Dlamini.
While Kwandengezi, Glenwood, and Umdloti WWTWs are working at 100%, the remaining facilities including Umbilo, and Umhlanga were compromised at 50 to 70% capacity and were only projected to be fully operational until 2026/2027.
In her questions, Lidgett asked what punitive actions had been taken against corporations found guilty of environmental violations.
Dlamini responded that the department has opened five cases against the eThekwini Municipality for sewer related pollution in Phoenix, Isipingo, Winklespruit, Verulam and Umlazi.
'There have been ongoing campaigns to educate communities and bi-monthly environmental compliance meetings with the affected line departments within the municipality to provide updated progress reports so that the Department can track progress, understand the challenges and provide strategic guidance,' said Dlamini.
Lidgett said they had submitted follow-up parliamentary questions to establish the impact of diminished operationality and lack of capacity.
'The ongoing dysfunction of eThekwini's WWTWs, amid a litany of environmental crimes committed on the municipality's watch, is deeply alarming.
'The state of the facilities reveals a systemic collapse of basic infrastructure with terrible consequences for river systems, coastal waters, and public health across our province. Despite a Section 28 NEMA directive, issued to compel action after the 2022 floods, the municipality has clearly failed to comply meaningfully.
'Of grave concern is that five criminal cases have been opened against the eThekwini Municipality for environmental violations across Phoenix, Isipingo, Winklespruit, Verulam, and Umlazi. That KZN's Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has now confirmed these cases proves not only gross negligence, but an active breach of the law.
'Regrettably, the department's response is nothing short of complacent. Residents of KZN cannot be expected to accept environmental degradation and collapsing water infrastructure as the new normal,' said Lidgett.
Reaction from residents:
Renusha Singh from Umhlanga said she was frustrated at the lack of urgency regarding the water crisis.
'I feel like our complaints have fallen on deaf ears. When we have water, the pressure is low. But then there are days that we go without a drop of water with no concern for our wellbeing or human rights. Sadly, we do not have an alternate source of water. So when our taps run dry, we panic.
'The days of just waking up and going to work without the added pressure of the water woes, are gone. I always have to find different ways to get water just so we can leave the house. It's tiring and frustrating. Now it seems like the issue will only be solved by 2027. That is ridiculous. How are we to survive two more years? We need help, the eThekwini Municipality needs to take our plight seriously,' said Singh.
Jacky Barrington, the secretary of the Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association said they were frustrated at the timeframe for repairs.
'The eThekwini Municipality committed to have the reticulation and provision of water to greater Durban secured by early 2026. It is of great concern that this time line has been increased, especially for the northern reaches of the municipality. Umhlanga is considered the business and tourism core of the city.
"Interruptions and water shedding have already had a massive negative impact on commerce, with poor tourism outcomes for Umhlanga and an inability to sustain the job growth we so desperately need. Pipe bursts, potholes and sinkholes are harming our property values. Meanwhile Rates and Utility bills keep going up,' said Barrington.
Roshan Lil-Ruthan, the communications spokesperson for the Verulam Water Crisis Committee (VWCC), condemned the eThekwini's wastewater failures as environmental sabotage and economic vandalism.
'The VWCC expressed urgent condemnation of the complete dysfunction plaguing eThekwini Municipality's WWTWs, which now represent not only a collapse in basic infrastructure but a direct threat to the environment, public health, and KwaZulu-Natal's economic future.
'Recent parliamentary replies confirm that only three of six municipal WWTWs are currently operating at full capacity. The Northern, Umbilo, and Umhlanga facilities are running at 50 to 70% efficiency, with projected completion delays stretching into 2027 - an unthinkable timeline given the damage already inflicted. We demand an immediate shift of this time line to much sooner than 2027.
'This dereliction of duty has triggered systemic pollution across our rivers, coastal waters, and soil. Raw sewage continues to flood natural ecosystems, violating environmental directives and posing extreme risks to biodiversity and residents. Despite a Section 28 NEMA directive issued after the 2022 floods, eThekwini has failed to comply meaningfully. Look at the recent catastrophic result of algae blooms in the Midmar basin that is a direct result of sewage contamination. It affected the preparation of potable water to millions. Now just think about what's happening in our rivers and ocean,' said Lil-Ruthan.
He said toxic pollutants, including dangerously high levels of E.coli, had contaminated local waterways and beaches.
'Communities from Verulam to Umlazi face microbial threats and diminished access to clean water, with vulnerable residents at acute risk. The municipality's failure to act is no longer administrative - it is criminal. Not so long ago we had a truck load of faecal waste dumped in the Mount Moreland conservancy area. The denial from the municipality in the face of eye witnesses and a video proved yet again that this was done deliberately.
'KZN's EDTEA confirmed five criminal cases against the municipality for environmental violations, including one in Verulam. Yet not a single official has been prosecuted, nor has any consequence management been undertaken. This culture of impunity must end. The City Manager or his appointed representatives, by virtue of their role, cannot be absolved of this crisis and must be held directly accountable. Is the SAPS and NPA lacking the will to act according to the law?
'Verulam has many sewage spills, some right in the CBD. This has impacted businesses and especially food establishments and medical practices and other service providers in our community. Raw sewerage flowed like a river until I reported this to the Mayor. A truck was then sent to unblock some of these blockages. The shock of this was when the staff arrived on scene, they pumped the raw sewage into the storm water reticulation system that feeds the Umdloti river. Umdloti has a marine protected area. Just imagine the repercussions,' said Lil-Ruthan.
He said they were currently preparing formal submissions to the South African Human Rights Commission.
Ish Prahladh, the president of the eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) said he had faith that the Mayor Cyril Xaba was making strides to improve service delivery.
'Many areas do not have water issues and also some areas are having water issues. But it's not as bad as previously because there is definitely an improvement. Remember the city is putting clamps on water mafias and incompetent service delivery contractors and now municipal tankers will be improving water deliveries to affected areas. Our ERRA affiliates are keeping an eye on the water situation and also helping out whenever a bad situation arises in their specific areas,' said Prahladh.
The eThekwini Municipality did not respond to questions at the time of publication.
THE POST