eThekwini sewer repair bill at R72m
eThekwini Municipality says while maintenance crews repairing flood-damaged sewer systems have made progress, sewerage pollution remains a challenge.
Raw sewage spills became a serious problem after water infrastructure was destroyed or badly damaged last month.
Residents sourcing drinking water from local rivers were asked not to do over the threat of water-borne diseases.
The municipality's Msawakhe Mayisela says river systems including uMgeni, uMhlanga, uMbilo, uMhlatuzana, uMdloti, oThongathi, Ohlanga, Isiphingo and Umkomaas [uMlaas, Mbokodweni, uMkhumbane, Palmiet, Wewe, Umhlangane and Toti] were flagged as pollution hot spots due to the sewage overflows.
He says other river systems that lead to systems - are also not safe.
The sewer network repair bill's climbed to over R72 million.
"This resulted to raw sewerage ending up in our rivers and certain extent into our beaches so we have no choice but to close our breaches in the interest of safety.
“Once the water is safe we will advise the public. In the meantime we are working day and night to ensure the situation returns to normalcy."
