Deluge of sewage infests Umhlatuzana River

Residents around the Umhlatuzana River, especially in Shallcross, have long complained of the horrid stench emanating from the stream, with investigations into the matter yielding the shocking reality that sewage is indeed flowing into the river.

Resident of Buffels Bosch, Goolam Ahmed Ally (77), explained that the smell has made the lives of community members unbearable.

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“We have been dealing with the smells of the river for a while now, but usually, we would complain and something would be done about it. Now, however, after the April floods, the smell has become worse while being continuous. When we wake up in the morning, we want to smell fresh air and pray to Allah, but with the smell, we cannot do that from the comfort of our homes or the musjid, which is also located next to the river. The river carries its stink from Shallcross to Umhlatuzana, and people in these areas are growing tired. I am a cardiac, stroke and respiratory patient, and the lack of fresh air and the presence of the disgusting smell, means that I have grown weaker. We have spoken to the councillor and he said that he has reported the matter, but nothing has been done yet,” said the frustrated pensioner, who has been living in the area for 30 years.

Ward 63 councillor, Chris van den Berg, explained the situation to the Rising Sun.

“The sewer line in question is that of Clover Dairy. After the flooding, hundreds of pipes and manholes were victim to rocks, stones and other debris. These blocked the pipes and cut-off piping to where it was intended to go. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for these issues. In this case, Clover does know of the situation, and management is dealing with it. The issue has been reported to the Department of Health as well. As a result of the floods, it is believed that every river in eThekwini has sewage in it. Residents are currently in the dark regarding these issues and the city needs to tell them what they are going to do about the situation. They need to hire engineers and professionals to properly assess the situation. We need to be proactive and ensure that this is prevented in the future. Everything possible is being done to prioritise the communities that are effected,” the councillor said.