Six Durban beaches closed after 'high levels of E. coli' found in sea water

The eThekwini municipality has closed six of Durban's beaches with immediate effect after “unacceptable” levels of E. coli bacteria were found in sea water following the “vandalism” of one of the city's sewage pump stations. 

The municipality said in the interests of public safety, the following beaches would be closed until further notice:

• South Beach;
• North Beach;
• Bay of Plenty Beach;
• Sun Coast Beach;
• Country Club Beach; and
• Umgeni beaches.

“The levels of bacteria have been compounded by the unceasing vandalism of one of the city's sewage pump stations and abnormal heavy rains that are washing waste from multitudes of informal settlements along the uMngeni River,” said city spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.

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