Residents of the Merebank area, located south of Durban, are expressing dissatisfaction and demanding that the Etwatwini municipality fix the sewer pipeline break under the M4 highway. The problem is that raw sewage water regularly leaks onto the railway tracks, accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor and causing significant irritation among local residents and workers in the adjacent area.
Raven Naidu, one of the concerned residents, reported that raw sewage continues to flow between the railway tracks under the bridge on Himalaya Road in Merebank. He raised this issue with the municipal district management service, which forwarded the request to the relevant municipal departments for investigation and resolution.
Despite inspections conducted, the problem persists. Naidu noted that photos taken on July 1 showed that sewage had spread over 150 meters along Clairwood Logistics Park and Barrackpur Road. Residents were informed that a crane and subsequently a TLB (Tractor Loader Backhoe) had been requested to address the leak.
Municipal crews inspected sections on Basil February Road, Krishna Rabilal Road, Himalaya Road, and Barrackpur Road, attempting to locate the cause of the blockage. However, as Naidu stated, 'despite these efforts, the problem continues. In August, contractors carried out earthworks along Lansdown Road, but the sewage is still flowing. Merebank residents continue to endure the foul smell of raw sewage and a large number of mosquitoes. Residents have repeatedly complained about contamination and the conditions they are forced to live in.'
Naidu countered that it is unreasonable to expect residents and taxpayers to constantly report the same issue while teams check different locations, contractors dig roads, and sewage continues to flow. He also expressed concern about public health and the environment, emphasizing that the municipality has an obligation to maintain the sewer infrastructure and urgently investigate and resolve serious failures. According to him, the situation requires immediate intervention and accountability.
While the publication was being prepared, the municipality did not respond to media inquiries on the matter. In the Reservoir Hills area, a source reported that raw sewage had been entering a commercial premises on Siripat Road for months. The source claimed that municipal crews inspected the pipeline, but due to a lack of funds for pipe replacement, they simply turned it over so that the sewage would not spill onto the ground.
Billions of Rand Needed for Pipe Repairs
Dr. Jack Bloom, Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation (DWS), conducted a two-day monitoring visit to Durban on August 20 and 21. He noted that these visits drew attention to the provision of water and sanitation services, environmental protection, and accountability.
Recently, the municipality announced that approximately 4.6 billion rand is required for the comprehensive repair of all wastewater treatment plants to meet Green Drop standards. Sibusiso Vilane, Etwatwini's acting Director of Water Resources and Sanitation, reported on the state of sanitation services at a recent Etwatwini executive committee meeting. He stated that by the end of June 2026, the department achieved 46% compliance with the Green Drop standard for wastewater against an annual target of 90%.