Note to Editors: Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has conducted an urgent oversight inspection to multiple sites along the Isipingo River in Durban South, following reports from local residents of a massive fish kill (view here) and severe river pollution.
The oversight was led by Hannah Lidgett MPL, DA Spokesperson on Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), alongside Martin Meyer MPL, DA Durban South Constituency Head, Cllr Andre Beetge, eThekwini EXCO Member and Isipingo Cllr Shad Nowbuth.
The inspection revealed that an entire stretch of the river has turned black, with large numbers of dead fish floating in the water and a pervasive, unbearable stench caused by raw sewage and rotting fish. Upon engagement with eThekwini Municipality, it was alleged that a construction company had damaged a major sewer pipeline, resulting in the spill.
Residents confirmed to the DA that this is the third major fish kill to occur in the Isipingo River. This raises serious concerns about environmental degradation and public health risks. Community members also expressed fears for their wellbeing due to the persistent pollution and claimed that some individuals are collecting dead fish from the river to sell, further endangering unsuspecting consumers.
The DA also noted that mangrove ecosystems along the river have been affected by the repeated sewage spills. Mangroves are critical for biodiversity, water filtration, and coastal protection. The impact on these sensitive ecosystems raises urgent questions around environmental safeguards and enforcement.
The loss of aquatic life and damage to biodiversity cannot be ignored or normalised. Such river spillages also have a direct knock-on effect, often leading to beach closures and negatively impacting tourism along KZN’s coastline.
The DA will push for accountability over the Isipingo River. These spills cannot be accepted as commonplace. Proper investigations, consequence management, and effective remediation are long overdue.
DA eThekwini representatives will now formally request a detailed incident report and remediation plan from the municipality. We will also write to KZN’s EDTEA department to demand a full incident report, clarity on environmental impacts, including the mangroves, and timelines for remediation and restoration.
As a responsible partner within KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will continue to apply pressure to ensure accountability, protect public health and fight for a healthy and thriving environment for the Isipingo community.