DWS oversight visit highlights water and sanitation challenges in eThekwini
The Department of Water and Sanitation's recent oversight visit to eThekwini Municipality sheds light on pressing water and sanitation issues, as Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom engages with local communities to address their concerns
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will continue monitoring matters discussed during its recent oversight visit to the eThekwini Municipality. Deputy Minister Dr Jack Bloom led a two-day visit to Durban on August 20 and 21, focusing on water and sanitation service delivery, environmental protection, and accountability.
While recognizing the challenges faced by eThekwini, Bloom emphasized that these challenges should not delay addressing basic water and sanitation services disruptions and wastewater management failures that threaten the environment. The oversight program involved direct engagement with affected communities, including meetings with the Verulam Water Crisis Committee and residents in Buffelsdraai.
The DWS also conducted inspections at Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Works, eZimbokodweni River, and Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Merebank, assessing pollution, wastewater infrastructure, environmental impacts, contributing factors, and required interventions. Bloom pledged to follow up on compliance and enforcement actions and ensure tangible improvements.
On Monday, Mayor Cyril Xaba conducted his own oversight inspection of sewer infrastructure, leaks, and blockages in KwaMashu, aiming to assess damage, evaluate interventions, and deploy teams to address the issues.
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