GROUNDUP: Raw sewage is flowing in nearly every metro, and the numbers keep getting worse

Wastewater treatment has deteriorated in almost every major South African metro between 2021 and 2024, according to the Green Drop report, with municipalities like eThekwini, Tshwane and Buffalo City recording steep declines into “very poor” or “critical” territory. Only Ekurhuleni retains a “good” rating and Mangaung shows slight improvement, but sewage spills, vandalism, ageing infrastructure and funding shortfalls are leaving raw sewage flowing into rivers, streets and drinking water sources across the country.