eThekwini: Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, has called on municipalities with dysfunctional wastewater treatment works (WWTW) to prioritise infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Seitlholo made the call during his visit to uMhlathuzana, Umhlanga, and Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Works in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

According to South African Government News Agency, Seitlholo visited the wastewater treatment works to assess progress made to repair infrastructure damaged by floods over two years ago. The eThekwini Municipality has entered into a bulk wastewater operation and maintenance contract with uMngeni-uThukela Water, assigning the water board responsibility for the operation and maintenance of 10 of the municipality’s wastewater treatment works. These WWTWs manage 90% of the sewage in the municipality.

During the visit, Seitlholo expressed optimism about the collaboration between eThekwini Municipality and uMngeni-uThukela Water, noting that this partne
rship could help restore, operate, and maintain the infrastructure. He highlighted the progress at Umhlanga, where 50% of the plant is operational after being completely decommissioned post-flooding.

The Deputy Minister raised concerns about the state of sanitation in the country, emphasizing that it is not being treated with the urgency it deserves, especially in terms of wastewater resources. He pointed out that water security is threatened by pollution in water resources, making it crucial to address this issue for the well-being of the people, farmers, and businesses.

Seitlholo urged South Africans to recognize the economic impact of water pollution and called for an end to pollution, stressing the need for municipalities to prioritise their infrastructure. He committed to raising awareness across all provinces to ensure accountability and the cessation of pollution.