eThekwini blames regulation changes for unlicensed wastewater plants

The eThekwini Municipality has blamed changes in regulations for its failure to obtain licenses for ten of its unlicensed wastewater treatment plants.

A recent court ruling revealed that ten of the city’s wastewater treatment plants currently in operation have expired licenses.

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eThekwini operating 10 wastewater treatment plants without valid licences

The faulty plants are at the centre of the coastal municipality’s water challenges, as sewage spills from these facilities flow into the city’s rivers and other tributaries that ultimately lead into the ocean.

Speaking at a media briefing at North Beach on Monday, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said work is under way to ensure the unlicensed plants comply with the new licensing requirements.

“I’m really not puzzled by that, because the team has a plan to ensure we now comply with the new regulations. The new regulations are there for a reason, and we are not contesting them. When new regulations impose higher standards, the city must meet those standards, finish and klaar.”