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Democratic Alliance (DA) parliamentary questions have revealed that eThekwini Municipality may face more criminal charges as raw sewage continues to ravage rivers across the city.

Laid several months ago, the case against eThekwini Municipality in terms of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act of 2008 initially dealt with ongoing pollution of the Durban Harbour.

New information has however revealed that the city “Failed to comply with the instructions” of the initial contravention notice and may now have further criminal charges thrown at it.

The nonchalant attitude of the city and its ANC leadership has meanwhile been highlighted during a DA oversight inspection of the Umbilo River near Westmead earlier this week. An overflowing sewer manhole continues to discharge thousands of liters of effluent into the river. This while a totally destroyed sewerage pipe spills its contents into the watercourse. (view here and here)

Conducted with DA PR Councillor Rajendhra Maharaj, (view here) the oversight showed how the city has yet to fix critical road, electrical and sewerage infrastructure. Importantly, the Umbilo River flows through dozens of neighborhoods before discharging into the Durban Harbour.

Adding to the disaster is evidence of dye substances also being discharged into the now broken sewerage system, further contaminating the water and riverbanks. This ongoing spill must be added to the active docket and the DA welcomes the involvement of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in the investigation.

It is only once city managers and municipal staff are held fully liable – through criminal charges and court appearances - that municipalities will start taking environmental laws seriously.

The DA remains committed to ensuring this outcome in the interests of KZN’s people and its natural heritage.

Issued by Heinz de Boer, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on EDTEA