Technical failures at the Mahatma Gandhi Road Pump Station in Durban caused sewer overflows along Margaret Mncadi Avenue (previously known as Victoria Embankment) and into the Durban harbour.
Durban’s sailing community has urged the eThekwini Municipality to restore Durban’s sewage system and ensure the harbour and the beach at the Point are safe to use.
“We cannot let our beautiful city degrade and collapse,” were the words from Rear Commodore of Youth, Dr Thomas Funke from Point Yacht Club. He was furious that a pump station failure allowed raw sewage to flow along Margaret Mncadi Avenue (previously known as Victoria Embankment) and into the harbour since Monday. On Saturday, there was still an overflow onto the road outside the Durban High Court.
Durban's sewage crisis threatens sailing events. Wastewater flows into storm drains along the Durban Harbour from Margaret Mncadi Avenue (previously known as Victoria Embankment)
Funke said the yacht club is preparing for the 505 KZN Regional Championship scheduled for June 2026. The club expects to host 15 boats, including six from Cape Town. Funke said this also hampers a sailing school at the Yacht Club for previously disadvantaged children, which is now facing an uncertain future.
