Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors in eThekwini have intensified their oversight efforts across various wards, conducting site inspections at locations contributing to air pollution, sewage spills, and ongoing water shortages. The initiative aims to ensure the municipality is held accountable for service delivery failures impacting ratepayers and residents.
As part of this oversight, DA eThekwini Executive Committee (EXCO) member Yogis Govender, alongside Cllr Hlengiwe Shozi, Cllr Ernest Smith, and Cllr Thabani Ndlovu, recently visited the Bisasar Road Landfill Site. The purpose of the visit was to assess whether the burning of rubble within and around the site is contributing to air pollution affecting the surrounding Springfield area.
During the visit, councillors were met by two municipal officials who acknowledged reports of air pollution impacting communities in Springfield and Asherville. The officials stated that measures have been implemented to address the issue.
“We have installed air-spraying systems that use chemical treatments to reduce the amount of fumes released into the air, thereby mitigating the pollution,” one municipal representative explained. He dsaid that these systems have been strategically placed near the borders of the landfill site, especially in proximity to neighbouring schools and the old age home, to protect the health of learners and the elderly who have reported respiratory issues.
While suspicions have been raised that air pollution may also be originating from factories in the Springfield industrial area, no evidence has yet been recorded to confirm this. DA Councillor Ernest Smith noted that while the landfill site is under scrutiny, industrial activity in the area should not be overlooked.
“There is a possibility that factories could be contributing to the air pollution, but at this stage, the specific source of the fumes has not been identified,” said Cllr Smith.
In addition to environmental concerns, Cllr Smith highlighted several problematic buildings within his ward that require urgent attention. These include: 427 Currie Road, 49 Riley Road, 592 Musgrave Road, 721 Essenwood Road, 1 Wolfenden Grove, 503 Essenwood Road, 630 Essenwood Road, 482 Essenwood Road, 23 Nelson Road, 27 12th Avenue, 213 Problem Mkhize Road, 24 11th Avenue, and 225 Problem Mkhize Road.
“These buildings pose various concerns including safety, by-law non-compliance, and neglect, and have become a serious burden to residents in the area. The SAPS have been notified about the building as they may be hide out for criminals, and the municipality is also aware, it is a matter of them finding the legal owners ,” said Cllr Smith.
Meanwhile, in Ward 31, DA Councillor Allan Peterson reported that a sewer line damaged during the 2022 floods remains unrepaired, leaving residents to endure a persistent foul odour. “Inspections have taken place, but no repair work has been done. Despite my efforts to escalate the matter to the municipality, no action has been taken,” he said.
Cllr Peterson added that sewer and storm water infrastructure has become a major problem in his area, especially following the implementation of the GO!Durban project. “The municipality was meant to install new sewer and storm water lines. It now appears that four sewer line entries are flooding at ward level—possibly from neighbouring Wards 40 and 41, which include areas such as iSiyanda, KwaMashu, and Lindelani,” he explained.
In Ward 33, inspections revealed minor but necessary maintenance issues. While no urgent concerns were noted, parks require grass cutting and some verges need attention. Councillors also raised concerns about a section of road at the intersection of Prospect Road and Brettenwood Road, where a trench dug up for repairs remains untarred. It is currently covered only with stones as a temporary measure.
The DA caucus in eThekwini has called on the municipality to urgently address these service delivery concerns. They have also encouraged residents and ratepayers to continue reporting issues and holding the municipality accountable.
“Our role is to ensure accountability and transparency. We will continue to conduct oversight and work closely with communities to ensure their concerns are addressed,” said Cllr Govender.
