By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The eThekwini municipality has temporarily closed four bathing beaches as a precautionary measure after pollution was detected earlier in the week.
This comes after Durban University of Technology’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology conducted quality tests at popular beaches in the city earlier this week.
It says it found the water quality at four beaches to be “poor,” while two beaches, namely Virginia and North Beach, were critical.
As a result, Blue Lagoon, Ethekwini Beach, Country Club Beach and Battery Beach, all in the city centre, were closed as a “precautionary measure” on Thursday while a team investigates the source of the pollution and implements “appropriate mitigation measures”, the municipality said.
The closures come just days after record-breaking crowds flocked to the beachfront on Reconciliation Day, with at least 75 000 swimmers entering the water and 234 500 people using the promenade — one of the busiest days in recent history, according to the council.
Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said on Saturday that water samples were taken on Friday and that if they pass all safety tests, the affected beaches would reopen today. She said the city’s remaining 19 bathing beaches continue to meet acceptable water quality standards and remain open.
“Maintenance of sewer infrastructure along various coastal catchments is ongoing. Any issues identified are addressed promptly to ensure compliance with environmental standards. Once pollution sources are contained, seawater quality is expected to return to normal,” Sisilana said.
Earlier this week, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ordered the eThekwini Municipality to take urgent steps to address failures in its water and sewer infrastructure following legal action by the Democratic Alliance.
The court’s ruling includes instructions that the city publish weekly E. coli readings for all public beaches, urgently repair and maintain sewer infrastructure, and improve communication with residents and businesses about water-related health risks.
Meanwhile Mayor Cyril Xaba said last week the city expected about 1.3 million visitors over the summer period, generating R341 million in direct spending and an R845 million contribution to GDP.
Xaba said water quality tests confirmed all 23 of Durban’s designated bathing beaches were open and safe for swimming, and condemned what he called “smear campaigns” and misinformation about beach water results.