eThekwini Municipality plans improvements for sewer pipe repairs and pump station security

While the eThekwini Municipality is making steady progress in repairing broken sewer lines and pump stations, they are also increasing security around municipal infrastructure.  

In an eThekwini Water and Sanitation operations and Key Performance Indicators report tabled before the eThekwini Executive Committee on Tuesday, the municipality is keen to protect critical municipal infrastructure and assets.

It has developed a comprehensive security enhancement plan on Trading Services, specifically water, sanitation, and electricity services, which are central to service delivery and revenue generation.

The plan aims to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to residents and businesses, while addressing the escalating threats posed by vandalism, theft, and sabotage of infrastructure.

“This strategic initiative also places strong emphasis on safeguarding municipal vehicles, employees, and creating a secure working environment across all operational sites,” the municipality stated. 

In some of the regions, pump stations were vandalised and electricity cables were stolen. These were in Umlazi F, Umlazi Phase 4, Umlazi V, Rivermouth, Wyebank, Cato Ridge, and Ntuzuma. 

The municipality also reported that several pump stations that were damaged by floods would be repaired once funding becomes available. 

There has been a notable improvement in the operation of the city’s sewer system, with a significant reduction in overflows, particularly those affecting local beaches.

This progress is attributed to ongoing repair and maintenance work on the sewer network, pump stations, and wastewater treatment works.

The Water Services Directorate has also strengthened its capacity by increasing the number of jetting machines from 12 to 43, enabling teams to respond more swiftly and effectively to sewer blockages.

However, despite these interventions, the city continues to face challenges from theft, vandalism, and the misuse of its infrastructure. 

Compounding this issue is the dumping of foreign or unwanted objects into the sewer system, which often cause blockages and can lead to infrastructure failures.

“The Sanitation Services Directorate has made an impassioned plea to the Executive Committee for funding to sustain sewer infrastructure maintenance and complete outstanding repairs resulting from storm damage,” the municipality stated. 

With the upcoming summer rains, sewer blockages are expected to increase as foreign objects and debris are washed into streams and subsequently clog the sewer network.

While the city will continue with its proactive maintenance plan, the public is urged to play their part by using the sewer system responsibly and avoiding actions that could damage infrastructure.

Root causes of sewer pipeline blockages: 

• Consumer abuse and misuse
• Illegal connections
• Theft, vandalism, mining
• Student accommodation
• Population growth
• Aged infrastructure

• Informal settlements
• Siltation
• Fat disposal
• Low flows due to water restrictions
• Informal traders
• Manholes being used as storage facilities

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za