The eThekwini Municipality has closed down some of its beaches with immediate effect amid fears of high levels of E-coli in the water.
Durban has been forced to close at least 13 beaches again after sky-high sewage pollution readings came to light on Monday, coinciding with the number of dead fish which were found at the mouth of Umgeni River.
Coincidentally, the announcement by the eThekwini Municipality came barely 45 minutes after Our Burning Planet sent copies of independent laboratory test results to the city that revealed alarming levels of E-coli (sewage bacteria) at several beaches along the central and northern tourist areas.
eThekwini Municipality said all water activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, bathing, canoeing and other activities are prohibited until further notice.
The municipality urged beachgoers to heed this warning as disregarding it could result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Here are the affected beaches:
- Westbrook
- uMhlanga Main
- uMdloti
- Casuarina
- eThekwini Beach
- Laguna Seasonal Beach
- Ansteys Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Isipingo Beach
- Reunion Beach
- Warner Beach
- Amanzimtoti Beach
- Pipeline Beach
“Residents can still enjoy other activities along the beach that do not require them to come into contact with sea water. Lifeguards and law enforcement officers will be on site to monitor the beaches to ensure the public adheres to the closures,” said eThekwini Municipality.
The Municipality said it will notify the public when the beaches are deemed safe to utilise.
Source: Daily Maverick, The South African, IOL, image from Daily Maverick: Tony Carnie