A Blueprint for Cleaner Waters? eThekwini’s Response to the Sewage Court Ruling

A Blueprint for Cleaner Waters? eThekwini’s Response to the Sewage Court Ruling

The eThekwini Municipality has broken its silence after a scathing Pietermaritzburg High Court judgment last week that compels it to address the chronic sewage pollution plaguing Durban’s beaches and rivers. The ruling, stemming from a case brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA), has forced the city to publicly outline its action plan, even as it confirmed the closure of four more beaches due to contamination.

In a statement released Thursday night, the municipality acknowledged the court’s order but highlighted that the judge refrained from placing the city under direct judicial supervision. The court noted the city’s cited financial constraints and, significantly, its existing Action Plan to tackle the crisis.

What’s in the Plan?

The city asserts that several interventions mandated by the court are already underway. Their outlined strategy focuses on public communication and infrastructure repair:

• Transparent Monitoring: Committing to regular water quality testing at all beaches, with results published on its website, social media, and via email.

• Swift Beach Closures: Pledging to close beaches with high contamination levels immediately and communicate these decisions clearly to the public.

• Business Liaison: Establishing a dedicated platform to keep the tourism and business sectors informed on water quality issues.

On the critical infrastructure front, the municipality states it has reprioritised resources. “Emergency repairs are undertaken immediately on wastewater pump stations experiencing breakdowns and overflowing,” the statement reads.

Claims of Progress Amid Ongoing Crisis

The city points to specific, albeit incremental, gains. It reports a 7.2% increase in cumulative compliance across its Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) over the past year, with notable improvements at the problematic KwaMashu and Northern plants. It also claims that Durban Central and Southern WWTWs maintain over 90% compliance, while Cato Ridge and Central works have achieved full Green Drop compliancea national water quality standard.

The statement confirms that licensing and environmental authorisations for upgrades are being fast-tracked, with consultants appointed and procurement processes in motion.

A Plan Met with Skepticism

For many residents and activists, this plan will be met with deep skepticism. Years of swimming bans, contaminated rivers, and visible sewage flows have eroded public trust. While the court’s refusal to impose direct supervision is a relief for the city’s administration, it places the burden of proof squarely on eThekwini to demonstrate that this blueprint is more than just words on paper.

The real test will be on the beaches and at the treatment plants. The outlined actions are a necessary first step, but for a public tired of excuses, only sustained, visible resultscleaner, consistently open beaches and an end to river pollutionwill signal a true turning point in Durban’s long-running water crisis.