Report highlights dire state of wastewater
WASTEWATER systems across the Zululand region and KZN are in a dire state, with local municipalities occupying the lower end of the spectrum.
This is according to the 2022 Green Drop Report, the first since 2013.
Green Drop is an incentivebased regulation programme to mobilise the wastewater sector onto a path of improvement.
The relaunching of the report was announced by President Ramaphosa at SONA.
Of the 14 water service authorities (WSAs) and 147 systems audited in KZN, the province scored a 68.7% technical site assessment (TSA) score, with 20 systems reported as critical.
Of the 14 municipalities audited, just three systems scored a minimum of 90% and were awarded Green Drop Certification, compared with 19 systems in 2013.
King Cetshwayo was one of only three that improved on their 2013 results, while the remaining 11, including the City of uMhlathuze, regressed to lower Green Drop scores.
Of the 20 systems identified to be in a critical state (compared with 32 in 2013), the majority fell under uMkhanyakude and Zululand districts.
The predominant key performance areas (KPAs) requiring attention throughout KZN include effluent quality compliance and technical management.
Compared with the 2013 report, King Cetshwayo District’s Green Drop score rose to 38% (from 26%); the City of uMhlathuze dropped from 85% to 58%; uMkhanyakude dropped to 23% (from 30%), and Zululand District dropped to 14% (from 23%).
uMkhanyakude and Zululand districts were among three municipalities that scored in the critical zone below 31%.
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At critical risk in uMkhanyakude is the St Lucia ponds, while Bethesda and Ingwavuma hospital systems are high risk.
Catherine Booth Hospital, Gingindlovu ponds, Mbongolwane Hospital and Owen Sithole Agricultural College are among numerous wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) considered high risk in King Cetshwayo.
Meanwhile, in Zululand District, St Francis Hospital is listed as high risk.
WWTWs with high- or criticalrisk ratings pose a serious risk to public health and the environment.
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The report states there is a close correlation between the competence of an operational team and the performance of a treatment plant, as measured by the Green Drop score.
Only four of the 14 municipalities assessed have a qualified supervisor per plant, while, with the exception of Msunduzi, Newcastle, Harry Gwala and uMgundundlovu, all municipalities have shortfalls in registered supervisors and process controllers.
The report suggests wastewater performance may be more dependent on operational competencies than engineering and technical staff.
Noting this, just
51% of assessed municipalities invested in staff training over the past two years.
Neither uMhlathuze nor Zululand municipalities did so, while King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude trained four and one staff member respectively.
‘It is of great concern that there are so many systems with scores below 31%, indicating a dismal state of wastewater management,’ said Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu.
He made it clear that action would be taken against municipalities that flagrantly put the lives of people and the environment at risk, and will