IFP Spokesperson for Conservation and Environmental Affairs in KZN Legislature Hon. Nessa Bhanprakash points the leaking sewer gushing into the river. Photo: Inkatha Freedom Party/ Facebook.
IFP: eThekwini sewage spillage on beaches, a system collapse
The IFP believes fish, aquatic plants, and animals are clearly compromised by sewage contamination on Durban beaches
IFP Spokesperson for Conservation and Environmental Affairs in KZN Legislature Hon. Nessa Bhanprakash points the leaking sewer gushing into the river. Photo: Inkatha Freedom Party/ Facebook.
IFP Spokesperson for Conservation and Environmental Affairs in KZN Legislature Hon. Nessa Bhanprakash is convinced that the sewage spillage onto eThekwini Municipality beaches is not a problem that can be resolved overnight.
IFP ASSESSES THE SEWAGE SPILLAGE CRISIS IN ETHEKWINI
He says this appears to be the result of a total breakdown and collapse of sewage water treatment systems in most parts of this Municipality.
“This is evident in our latest finding about a collapsed sewage pump station in Athlone Park in Amanzimtoti, South of eThekwini.”
Bhanprakash
PARTY DEMANDS MUNICIPALITY TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION
After IFP members paid a visit to the malfunctioning and deserted Athlone Park Pump Station, Bhanprakash says it became apparent that the eThekwini Municipality has to take responsibility for the Isipingo Beach sewage spillage.
“Even the Amanzimtoti Golf Course was not spared, as muck was visible all over the grass and could be exposing the golfers and staff to hazardous materials. There was evidence of a backflow of sewage from manholes around the clubhouse and in the car park. It is, therefore, safe to assume that most parts of eThekwini coastline are swamped in sewage,” he reflected on the crisis.
He reports that the Pump Station is reported to have been non-functioning for over two years, which forced the Golf Club to construct an alternative sewer pit, which flows into the Isipingo River. The Isipingo River automatically spills over to Isipingo Beach.
“Fish, aquatic plants, and animals are clearly compromised by sewage contamination, with dead fish seen on the riverbank.”
Bhanprakash
He added: “The IFP is deeply concerned that eThekwini Municipality appears to have turned a blind eye to this problem for over two years, endangering the lives of surrounding communities and local flora and fauna, due to sewage spilling directly into the estuary. eThekwini Municipality must account for this”.
ALSO READ: Majority of beaches and swimming pools re-open in Durban
SEWAGE LEAK TO AFFECT DURBAN TOURISM
Bhanprakash also warned that the eThekwini authorities must stop playing with people’s lives and take immediate action to repair the Athlone Pump Station.
“They need to stop the hazardous flow of raw sewage into the Isipingo River immediately. People’s health is at risk. Moreover, these toxic conditions will impact negatively on economic activity along popular eThekwini beaches during the festive season,” he further warned.
ALSO READ: Body of missing bather washes ashore in KZN
