eThekwini municipality has announced it will reopen some beaches on Friday.
High levels of the bacteria E.Coli has been attributed to damage to the city’s wastewater treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure caused by the recent floods, resulting in sewage pollution.
This prompted the municipality to shut the beaches indefinitely more than a month ago.
“Having received the latest water quality results, eThekwini municipality has taken a decision to open some of its beaches today [Friday],” said Msawakhe Mayisela, municipal spokesperson.
“This comes after recent water tests indicated that E-Coli levels were within acceptable standards. The public can now enjoy bathing and other sporting activities at these beaches.”
Beaches including Amanzimtoti, Warner, Umgababa, Umhlanga Rocks, Umdloti, Addington, Bronze, Bay of Plenty, Wedge, North, Country Club, uShaka, Battery, Southern and Vetch Pier (Point), are open.
“Water tests were conducted daily to monitor the E-Coli levels to ensure they reach acceptable standards. The latest test results carried out at all beaches revealed that some beaches are still affected while others are at an acceptable standard and are ready for public use.”
eThekwini reopens some of its beaches before Durban July weekend
Image: Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
eThekwini municipality has announced it will reopen some beaches on Friday.
High levels of the bacteria E.Coli has been attributed to damage to the city’s wastewater treatment plants and sanitation infrastructure caused by the recent floods, resulting in sewage pollution.
This prompted the municipality to shut the beaches indefinitely more than a month ago.
“Having received the latest water quality results, eThekwini municipality has taken a decision to open some of its beaches today [Friday],” said Msawakhe Mayisela, municipal spokesperson.
“This comes after recent water tests indicated that E-Coli levels were within acceptable standards. The public can now enjoy bathing and other sporting activities at these beaches.”
Beaches including Amanzimtoti, Warner, Umgababa, Umhlanga Rocks, Umdloti, Addington, Bronze, Bay of Plenty, Wedge, North, Country Club, uShaka, Battery, Southern and Vetch Pier (Point), are open.
“Water tests were conducted daily to monitor the E-Coli levels to ensure they reach acceptable standards. The latest test results carried out at all beaches revealed that some beaches are still affected while others are at an acceptable standard and are ready for public use.”
Mayisela said Umkomaas, Lighthouse, Beachwood Mangrove, Umdloti beach tidal area, Casuarina in Tongaat, Granny's Pool, Beachwood, eThekwini and Suncoast beach remained closed for swimming but open for religious and spiritual rituals, walking dogs and fishing.
“The city will continue to monitor the rest of the beaches and inform the public once levels of E-Coli have decreased to standards that are safe for the public to enjoy it.”
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