India, Oct. 24 -- Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal is investing in wastewater and faecal sludge management infrastructure.

Despite new treatment plants, many systems remain underutilised due to theft, vandalism and poor maintenance.

Industrial effluents and broken pumping stations are polluting the Ncandu River.

Community engagement and biosolids reuse remain major gaps in the city's sanitation strategy.

Officials say policy reforms and better enforcement are needed to turn intent into real impact.

On the surface, Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal's Amajuba district looks like a city in transition, one that is investing in sanitation infrastructure and showing clear intent to do things right. Beneath that surface, however, lies a complex web of c...