Save our Rivers NPC close to finalising independent report on eThekwini sewage crisis

DURBAN, South Africa: The non-profit Save our Rivers and Sea from Sewage (SORS-FS), after months of behind the scenes work, will soon be in a position to release its independently commissioned report into one of eThekwini Municipality’s biggest sewage pollution sources.

SORS-FS director Johan Jooste said the path chosen by the registered non-profit requires an evidence-based approach that relies on expert opinion, research and analysis. He said this strategy is needed in order to force the eThekwini Municipality and possibly other water authorities to fix the dilapidated waste water treatment works that are depositing large quantities and raw sewage into city’s river systems from Umkomaas to Umdloti and into the ocean.

The severity of the issue is corroborated by the eThekwini Municipality’s own report on the city’s river systems, published in May 2023.

Save our Rivers and Sea from Sewage was created by river and ocean users and enthusiasts who have become increasingly concerned about the rampant sewage pollution flowing into the city’s marine and river eco-systems.

The organisation wants to the city to implement corrective measures immediately failing which SORS-FS will turn to the courts to force the city to act.

“We have to keep in mind that at any given point in seeking corrective action against the city, we may need to turn to a court and obtain an interdict to force action. This requires us to do everything we can beforehand to convince a court that our court action is not frivolous or without basis, but is built on solid evidence and in the interest of city residents,” said Jooste.

He said after consultation with various stakeholders, SORS-FS decided to primarily focus on the Northern Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) along the Umgeni River for two key reasons.

“Firstly, it is one of the city’s largest sources of sewage pollution and secondly, its dysfunction has a direct and measurable impact on the city’s economy. “

“If the Northern WWTW does not operate optimally 99.99% of time, the river and sea’s delicate eco-system will degrade and deteriorate to a state beyond recovery, our seaside tourism sector from the Golden Mile to Umhlanga Rocks will collapse, the economy along the river will cease, the annual Dusi Canoe Marathon will stop over safety concerns, our property values will decline, investors will stay away and tens of thousands of jobs will be put at risk and this excludes those jobs that could have been created. The Northern WWTW dysfunction presents a clear danger to our city’s economic future,” said Jooste.

A team of engineers and volunteers have already conducted an analysis of the Northern WWTW, including a site visit, aerial photography and digital mapping. They are currently finalising a comprehensive report that will serve as the foundation for further actions.

Jooste said SORS-FS intends to do the following in the coming weeks and months:

• Finalise the report by getting it ‘court ready.’
• Make the independent report public.
• Engage with eThekwini Municipality on the report’s findings.
• Report the sewage pollution to the relevant national and provincial government authorities to prompt corrective action.
• If necessary, seek a court order compelling the city to address the issues highlighted in the independent report.

“The challenges we face with the ongoing sewage crisis is immense, but SORS-FS remains committed to finding solutions. The city’s abundant water resources, thriving ecosystems, and their subsequent economic benefits are at stake,” said Jooste.

He said SORS-FS was “grateful”  to its supporters for donating R100,000 at its March 2023 fundraiser but added that the donation comes with “responsibility and expectation”.

“SORS-FS has a team of highly ethical individuals overseeing the bank account and ensuring that the money is allocated wisely. Although the original plan was to hire an expert chemical engineer, local engineers with the necessary expertise have offered their services pro bono. The organisation will focus on expanding its financial resources, which may be used to acquire the expertise of additional professionals and cover potential litigation costs,” said Jooste.

SORS-FS is audited pro bono by the HDI Group of Auditors, Durban North, eThekwini Municipality.

The directors of SORS-FS have resolved that no director will receive remuneration.

To find out more, get involved, donate and sign up for the newsletter visit: https://welgegundcan.org.za/get-involved/

For media inquiries, contact Johan Jooste at 082 466 1955, and for further information, reach out to Jonathan Erasmus at 073 227 6075.

Save our Rivers and Sea from Sewage is a registered non-profit company. (2022/676318/08).