Staff Reporter.
The City of Cape Town has reminded residents and visitors that Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary Mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming due to pollution in the Diep River.
“There has been ongoing pollution within the Diep River that has been well publicised. The Diep River discharges at the estuary mouth at Lagoon Beach. As a result, Lagoon Beach is also affected by pollution in the Diep River, “the City said.
With the peak season and hot summer temperatures, the City has been made aware that people are swimming in the estuary mouth, in Milnerton Lagoon and at Lagoon Beach.
“The City would like to remind both residents and visitors that these areas are polluted, and the Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary Mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming, playing and recreational use.
“Pollution warning signs remain in place. We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this time,” the City said.
Alex Lansdowne, the chairperson of the mayoral advisory committee on water quality in wetlands and waterways, said load shedding was causing havoc on sewage reticulation infrastructure in Cape Town.
“Pump stations are failing because they are simply not designed to have intermittent power supply.
“The electricity disruptions cause pumps to fail, which results in sewage overflows. Cape Town pump stations have been fitted with backup generators, but this means that there is added logistical pressure to manage the infrastructure on a daily basis,” he said.
Lansdowne added that increased sewage spills were another example of how load shedding damaged the city’s economy and international reputation.
“Our beaches and waterways are internationally renowned, and we are at the height of a bumper tourist season. It is painful to see this sewage overflowing into our environment, which people should be using,” he said.