There has been a lot of controversy and consternation over this year’s Dusi Marathon. Sewage problems in Pietermaritzburg, threatened to change the start for Dusi Canoe Marathon for the first time in 57 years. As a contingency plan, organisers of the Hansa Powerade Dusi had to hurriedly design a new start outside Pietermaritzburg, because of health hazards associated with E coli bacteria, in the water, derived from human faeces. This is as a result of raw sewage flowing into the river, in the greater Pietermaritzburg area.

Dangerously high levels were measured in the river, throughout Pietermaritzburg, on December 27, which alarmed the organisers. E.coli levels in the river were carefully monitored throughout December. Measurements on December 27 showed counts above the starting point averaged 20 000 per 100 ml, which is quadruple the level that organisers would be happy with.

“The health of each and every paddler is the priority of the organisers” said Ray de Vries, spokesman for the organisers.

Signs were put up at the Natal Cane Club, at Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday, warning paddlers of the health risk.

“It is a big worry for us, as we only have 10 days to go, before more than two thousand paddlers from South Africa and beyond, take to the water, for the 57th edition of the Hansa Powerade Dusi. We had a crisis meeting this morning (Saturday) and we are working around the clock, to finalise contingency plans, should the E coli level be unacceptably high in PMB.

The Dusi is the largest canoe marathon in the world and a record international entry is expected. The event generates over R30 million, in direct spend in the region and the international marketing value is measured at over R125 million.

“We have designed an alternative start, at Bishopstowe Hall and we will make up the lost distance, on day 3, so that the total distance of the race remains the same. We cannot afford not to have a plan B and have everyone seriously ill – this would be a disaster for the race.

The organisers have requested that Umgeni Water do daily tests, between now and the race and have appealed to the Umsundusi Municipality, to do whatever it takes, to try and resolve the sewer problem as soon as possible.

“If we are forced to move the start, because of sewage problems, it will be a major blow to the event and sports tourism in this province. The three day event is recognised as one of the big five sporting events in South Africa and is growing each year.

Additional tests were carried out by Umgeni Water on Friday and the results showed a vast improvement, in water quality. In fact, all the results were acceptable, to good. If it carries on like this, we should have no hassles. We are refining our contingency plans and are confident that wherever we start, we will have the best Dusi yet, with paddlers enjoying a healthy paddling environment” said de Vries.

Just when everbody thought it was safe to enter the river again, another problem arose. Storms, in the Edenvale valley, washed all sorts of rubbish into the river. Paddlers were training in the vicinity of the start, at Camp’s Drift,” on Monday 7th January, when huge amounts of trash, refuse, dead animals and sewage washed downstream, to the area of the official start.

Things look better now and unless further storms and flooding cause a similar situation, the race should start as per normal arrangements.

Questions are being asked of the Umsundusi Municipality, how this has been allowed to happen. Apparently, last year an amount of around R12 million was set aside, to clean up the Edendale area and prevent sewage and trash from entering the river. Obviously this has not been done.

There are also huge outcries from health officials, regarding the safety of residents of settlements further downstream. These people rely on the river water for cooking, washing, livestock and drinking. They are totally unaware of the poor condition of the water.

This is the biggest canoe marathon in the world. It covers a gruelling trail, a little over 130 Kilometers long, along the Umsundusi and Umgeni rivers, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The gruelling race, held annually, is renowned for it’s  toughness and is broken into 3 daily legs. The race takes place on January 17, 18 and 19. It ends in Durban, at the Blue Lagoon.

More information, route maps etc. is available, on the official Dusi Website : http://www.dusi.co.za

This year  the Hansa Powerade Dusi will have a dedicated Hansa Powerade Dusi Radio! This radio station will bring you all the race action, race information, seconders’ information, interviews and great music. Tune into 100.5fm, to hear the crew from Capital Radio beaming out. Vodacom are supplying the crew with power and 3G comms at the high points, to bring you this unique feature.

Joe Cools is the official Hansa Powerade Dusi Afterparty venue, again this year! The doors will open at 16h30, until the cows come home. All Dusi paddlers will get in for free. They have a relaxed dress code for the evening, so you have no excuse not to join them, for an evening of fun, to finish the race off properly.

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