ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY ACCELERATES SEWER REHABILITATION TO STRENGTHEN SANITATION SERVICES
The eThekwini Municipality has reported steady progress in restoring and strengthening the City's sanitation infrastructure, following an update presented yesterday, 18 August 2026 to the Presidential eThekwini Working Group's Workstream 2 on Water and Sanitation, covering extensive repair, rehabilitation and preventative maintenance programmes underway across Durban.
The number of fully functional pump stations has increased from 235 in June to 239, while the City has recovered approximately 80% of wastewater flows lost during the floods. Officials confirmed that work continues to restore the remaining affected infrastructure and to improve the overall reliability of the sewer network.
As part of its flood recovery programme, the Municipality has implemented approximately 21 sewer rehabilitation projects, spending more than R141 million since 2023. These projects include sewer pipe replacement, construction of pipe bridges, reconstruction of manholes, river crossings, gabion protection and other infrastructure restoration works.
The City is also carrying out long-term rehabilitation at key wastewater treatment facilities and sewer infrastructure sites, including the Northern, Umbilo and uMhlanga Wastewater Treatment Works. In parallel, the Municipality is refurbishing pump stations and rolling out proactive maintenance programmes to reduce failures and sewer overflows.
The City continues to advance sanitation interventions in informal settlements and rural areas, including sewer maintenance and cleaning, wastewater treatment works rehabilitation and upgrades, and improved sanitation facilities for residents.
Importantly, the majority of the City's bathing beaches remain open and safe for swimming, with the latest monitoring results showing low E. coli levels at most beaches.
The Municipality continues to work with national government and other stakeholders through the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to accelerate the recovery and renewal of sanitation infrastructure, while ensuring environmental compliance and reliable services for residents.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
