The eThekwini Municipality has assured residents and holidaymakers that all pump stations along the popular Umhlanga Promenade are fully operational and experiencing no overflows as Durban heads into its peak festive season.
The announcement, presented during the municipality’s Water and Sanitation operational plan briefing, aims to strengthen public confidence following previous years of beach closures linked to sewer overflows.
eThekwini boosts sewer maintenance for festive season
According to Acting Water and Sanitation Director Sibusiso Vilane, the city has developed an enhanced festive plan that includes daily checks, proactive maintenance, and fast response measures.
Diesel refilling, silt removal and screening at pump stations form part of the strategy, and area managers have already received action plans for beach-impacting stations, IOL reports.
Vilane added that five pump stations along the Umhlanga Promenade now have generators, ensuring systems continue running during load shedding or unexpected outages. Telemetry systems will also provide early alerts, with teams committed to responding within one hour.
To handle the holiday influx, the municipality has deployed two extra blockage crews to the Umhlanga precinct.
The city will now flush the beachfront sewer line twice weekly, with additional flushing at hotspots such as Umhlanga Village, Florida Road and Amanzimtoti. Critical pump stations will also be monitored 24 hours a day.
Extra strain over December
The municipality also noted several challenges expected over the season: high visitor numbers, increased wastewater volumes, strain on hotels and beachfront facilities, and more blockages caused by non-flushable items.
Despite these pressures, Vilane said the city is committed to trying to stop sewer spills, which pose environmental risks and can force beach closures that damage tourism.
Budget constraints and limited resources remain hurdles, but eThekwini says its festive plan is designed to protect Umhlanga’s beaches and ensure a safe holiday period for visitors and residents.
