Durban water didn't make visiting rugby teams sick: eThekwini mayor

The eThekwini municipality has dismissed claims that visiting international rugby teams had to cancel their matches after bad water made them ill during their stay in Durban.

Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda slammed “misinformation” surrounding the city’s water quality after media reports that the postponement of a rugby match between the Cell C Sharks and Ulster was due to two cases of gastrointestinal infections caused by the city’s water.

Ulster and Scottish team Glasgow Warriors postponed their United Rugby Championship (URC) games at the weekend because of the outbreak of “gastroenteritis infections”.

The Warriors were due to face the Lions in Gauteng while Ulster were to play the Sharks in Durban.

A URC statement read: “Due to gastroenteritis infections it is not possible for Ulster or Glasgow Warriors to field full playing squads.”

The statement came amid speculation the teams swam in contaminated water, as Durban has been battling high ecoli levels at some beaches.

Speaking after a tour of water infrastructure in the city, Kaunda said there was no indication their illness was linked to the city’s water quality. A team of experts who constantly monitor the water to ensure it is safe for consumption, in line with international standards, found the water complied with potable water standards.

Samples were obtained from the Pearls Hotel and reservoirs supplying the Umhlanga area and the Moses Mabhida Stadium next to Kings Park rugby stadium.

“The Beverly Hills Hotel management assured us the hotel is doing its [own] water quality monitoring and their water is also safe,” Kaunda said.

“All these samples complied with the potable water standards and there was no indication the sickness was linked to our water quality. This has been confirmed by the CEO of the United Rugby Championship, Martin Anayi, who said there was a possibility the players brought the bug into the country.

“We call on members of the public to be vigilant and heed only public notices of the city’s communications platforms. People should not listen to social media posts. Whenever there is a challenge we will inform residents.

“Let me assure the residents of eThekwini our water is tested frequently as per the South African national standards for drinking water.”

Anayi on Tuesday confirmed there were indications the teams might have brought the bug with them when they entered the country.

TimesLIVE

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.