The Municipality is appealing to members of the community to be vigilant and avoid any form of contact with the water from Umbilo River, until further notice. This is due to contaminated water that seeped into the Umbilo River through the storm water drains after a chemical warehouse caught fire on Saturday 7 February 2015.
The storm water drains have been sealed-off to prevent any more leakage. However, the already contaminated water in the river continues to move downstream towards the Durban habour. Communities around the Westmead, Queensburgh, Northdene, Edwin Swales Road, Paradise Valley and other areas in close proximity to the Umbilo River are urged to be extra cautious and avoid any contact with the water. No fish or other aquatic life forms from the river should be consumed at this stage.
Officials comprising of the Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit, Health Unit, Fire and Emergency Services Department, National Department of Water and Sanitation and Environmental Affairs are monitoring the situation. Residents will be informed of any changes that may occur.
