Why Durban requires R4.6 billion for Wastewater Treatment Works repairs

eThekwini Municipal records have shown a decline in the average daily flow of effluent into the Isipingo Wastewater Treatment Works, south of Durban, due to leaks in the pipeline. The municipality needs an estimated R4.6 billion to refurbish all Wastewater Treatment Works to meet Green Drop compliance standards.

The eThekwini Municipality needs an estimated R4.6 billion to refurbish all Wastewater Treatment Works to meet Green Drop compliance standards.

The acting director of eThekwini Water and Sanitation, Sibusiso Vilane, was speaking on the status of sanitation services during a recent eThekwini Executive (Exco) meeting, when he reported that at the end of June 2026, the directorate had achieved 46% wastewater Green Drop compliance against an annual target of 90%.

The Water and Sanitation Department-run Green Drop Certification programme grades municipal sewage treatment plants, networks, and pump stations for wastewater management.

Vilane also reported that 235 out of 261 pump stations were functional at the end of June 2026, but that the numbers would fluctuate during July and August.

Expanding on the Green Drop compliance requirements, he explained that the continued operation of facilities that have surpassed their lifespan adversely affects the city's compliance.

"The rehabilitation of the Mahatma Gandhi Pump station remains a priority. It was noted that funding constraints, vandalism, theft and flood damage have further contributed to the decline in compliance," he said.

The municipality explained that the Green Drop assessments are based on the actual condition and performance of the facilities on the ground, irrespective of the operational and financial challenges experienced by the municipality.

Vilane explained that Green Drop scores have significant consequences, including adverse environmental and public health impacts, reputational damage to the city and its tourism sector, and the potential criminal liability against responsible officials arising from regulatory non-compliance.

He said the city provides waterborne sanitation in urban areas, VIP and urine diversion toilets in rural and peri-urban areas, and container ablution facilities in informal areas.

"Areas under traditional authority are primarily provided with VIP and urine diversion toilets with limited waterborne sanitation due to the absence of bulk water infrastructure. The city also provides chemical toilets and alternative sanitation as part of its programme to replace pit toilets," Vilane said.

He pointed to the ageing infrastructure of the wastewater works as part of the problem facing the municipality. Municipal teams also had limited access to rural and informal settlements for maintenance purposes, compounded by poor maintenance of urine diversion toilets, community dissatisfaction, vandalism and theft and high maintenance costs.

The municipality faces several challenges hindering Green Drop compliance.