Residents and recreational river users have been warned to avoid contact with the uMngeni River and estuary following an alleged act of sabotage at the Kennedy Road Wastewater Pump Station, which resulted in the facility becoming inoperable.
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that a criminal case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) after unauthorised individuals allegedly gained access to the pump station and deliberately damaged its duty pump, causing the station to fail.
The incident has prompted precautionary measures to safeguard public health and the environment, with residents urged to avoid contact with the river and estuary downstream of the affected facility until further notice.
According to the municipality, repair teams have been mobilised to address the damage and restore the pump station’s operations.
The municipality emphasised that restoring the facility and protecting surrounding communities and the environment remain its immediate priorities.
Authorities are investigating the incident, while the municipality has yet to indicate when the pump station will be fully operational.
Residents and river users are urged to heed the advisory until the municipality confirms that it is safe to resume activities in the affected waters.
