"The department was first notified of the sewage overflow from the Margate pump station 4A on June 28," spokesman Mava Scott said.

A site inspection was conducted and the Ugu district municipality was issued a verbal warning.

The department instructed the municipality to close Margate beach to the public and deal with the effects of the pollution on the environment, Scott said.

Another inspection was conducted after Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife complained about sewage overflow from the same pump station on September 5.

"The department then issued the Ugu district municipality with a written directive on October 2 instructing the municipality to conduct an assessment of all sewage infrastructures within their area of jurisdiction, and to develop a plan of action to refurbish or construct new infrastructure where necessary in order to prevent the recurring incidents," he said.

In August a sector appraisal committee recommended that R24.5 million be spent on replacing the sewer pipeline and upgrading the Margate pump station.