The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will continue to monitor progress on the issues raised during its oversight visit to the eThekwini municipality last week.
DWS Deputy Minister, Dr. Jack Bloom, conducted a two-day oversight visit to Durban on August 20 and 21. He noted that this visit brought attention to issues concerning the provision of water and sanitation services, environmental protection, and accountability.
Acknowledging the scale and complexity of the challenges facing eThekwini, Bloom emphasized that these difficulties should not lead to delays, especially as communities continue to experience interruptions in basic water and sanitation services, and sewage system failures pose a threat to the environment and water resources.
A primary focus of the oversight program was direct engagement with communities affected by water and sanitation problems. Bloom met with the Verulam Water Crisis Committee, where residents expressed concerns regarding water supply issues and service provision to households and communities.
Dr. Bloom also spoke with residents of affected communities in Buffalo Springs to hear their concerns and gain firsthand insight into the difficulties faced by residents. The oversight program included inspections of the Phoenix wastewater treatment works, the eZimbokodweni river in the Amanzimtoti golf club area, and the Southern treatment works in Merebank.
He stated: 'We heard directly from the communities and ensured that their concerns were taken into account alongside information provided by municipal officials and infrastructure inspection findings.' Bloom clarified that inspections focused on reports of pollution and sewage spills, the condition and operation of wastewater treatment infrastructure, environmental impact and water quality, as well as contributing factors and necessary measures to resolve identified problems.
In addition to the oversight, special attention was given to compliance and law enforcement. Bloom pledged to monitor the Department's Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Unit regarding previously issued directives and required actions to address instances of non-compliance.
He stressed: 'Oversight visits must go beyond simply identifying problems and must lead to action, accountability, and measurable improvements. An oversight visit must lead to action, and if directives have been issued, we must see their implementation and corresponding enforcement where necessary.'
The two-day program also included meetings with municipal leadership, officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders on governance, accountability, service delivery, and strengthening water security in eThekwini.
Municipal Inspection
On Monday, eThekwini municipality mayor Cyril Shabha conducted an oversight inspection of critical sewerage infrastructure, current leaks and blockages affecting several wards in KwaMashu. Shabha reported that these visits are being carried out due to the growing number of water and sanitation problems raised by residents, community groups, and ward councillors, particularly concerning long-standing sewerage issues in the area.
He added that the purpose of the inspection is to assess the extent of infrastructure damage, analyze immediate intervention measures, and ensure the dispatch of plumbing crews to clear blockages and address service backlogs.