Durban: eThekwini Municipality announced on Saturday that three more beaches, including uMdloti Main, uMdloti Tidal and Casuarina have been reopened to the public from December 10.
The City said this follows approval from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs after numerous tests confirmed that the listed beaches are now safe for swimming.
“The department had issued a directive that these beaches should not open until it had given the green light,” said municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela.
Durban mayor Mxolisi Kaunda welcomed the good news.
“We are happy that more beaches are reopening. We will continue working together with all stakeholders and experts to ensure that we comply with safety standards,” he said.
Kaunda said the municipality received an authorisation letter to open these beaches from the department on Friday following a consistent reduction in the ‘E coli’ levels.
The letter from the department, according to the City, reads as follows:
"On December 9, 2022, the eThekwini Municipality provided the Department with recent sampling results from three different sources. The results show a consistent reduction in the ‘E coli’ levels at the uMdloti Main Beach, uMdloti Tidal Beach and Casuarina Beach. Based on the information provided, the Department approves the opening of uMdloti Main Beach, uMdloti Tidal Beach and Casuarina Beach.”
The mayor said the City would continue to monitor all beaches to comply with national water quality standards and guidelines.
“Appropriate steps will be taken should the need arise. Ours is to always prioritise the safety of residents and visitors,” said Kaunda.
In a statement on Friday, the City listed facts regarding the eThekwini beaches. Here are some of the questions and answers:
- What is the status of beaches in eThekwini?
Some beaches are open while others remain closed. Beaches that are open meet the quality standard for safety of bathing water. Those that don’t yet meet the standard remain closed. The quality of water at bathing beaches is tested regularly by a team of scientists.
- Which beaches are open and safe for swimming?
As of December 8, the following beaches are open: Point, Ushaka, Addington, South, Wedge, North, Bay of Plenty, Anstey’s Toti and Pipeline beaches.
- There are claims that some eThekwini beaches are not safe even though they are open. Is this true?
The safety of residents and visitors is a priority for the municipality. Water quality tests are conducted regularly to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. Beaches that do not meet the safety standard are closed.
- We have seen videos of overflowing sewers. Surely this has an impact on beaches?
The damage caused by the April floods to the City’s water and sanitation infrastructure is extensive. Repairs of most of the infrastructure is under way and has been completed in some areas. As we repair infrastructure and pump stations start pumping, pipelines are getting pressurised, but these pipelines have been idle for many months. Some have been vandalised and some extensively damaged, so when we start pumping we sometimes experience overflows. Where tests show that beach water quality has been compromised, that beach is closed.
- How often is water quality tested at beaches?
The frequency of testing at bathing beaches has been increased to twice a week.
- On December 1, the City opened uMhlanga Beach but it is now closed. What happened?
The City tested uMhlanga Beach and found it complaint on four consecutive occasions before declaring it open. A decision was then taken to open it. However, subsequent tests showed that it was no longer compliant, and it was then closed. This is the point of the regular testing. It enables the City to take the necessary action should any beach not be deemed compliant or safe.
Another test of uMhlanga Beach with an independent organisation was done on December 8. Results are pending.
- Why is there a difference between beach water quality results of eThekwini and those of independent laboratories?
The main reason for this is that samples are not collected at the same spot and at the same time. Environmental conditions at sea change all the time, therefore results will fluctuate if they are taken on different occasions. The result can also be affected by factors such as how a sample is handled, transportation, testing and reporting.
In some instances, the City now conducts its tests together with an independent lab to compare results.
