Durban beaches still closed
Concern is mounting about the state of readiness of Durban’s beached for the holiday season as recent tests are still revealing high E.Coli counts.
Recent test results reveal that the northern section of Durban's popular Golden Mile coastal strip in KwaZulu-Natal remains unsafe for beachgoers due to a high concentration of E. coli bacteria.
Tests conducted on October 20, amid heavy rainfall, showed elevated levels of E. coli in water sources along the uMgeni River, a key factor contributing to the contamination.
The eThekwini Municipality collaborated with the company Talbot to conduct these critical tests. Findings indicate that beaches situated farther away from the Umgeni River, such as Point and Ushaka beaches, are safe for public use, receiving an "excellent" rating.
In contrast, North Beach and South Beach were rated as "acceptable".
Battery Beach and the Country Club Beach fared worse, with high E. coli concentrations, exceeding 2,500 CFU/100ml at Battery Beach and over 3,000 CFU/100ml at the Country Club Beach. Alarmingly, water tested at the river sources recorded even higher E. coli levels, with readings exceeding 100,000 CFU/100ml at all three testing points.
The locations of testing included Riverside Road in Durban North, the Kingfisher Canoe Club, and the river below the northern wastewater treatment facility. The eThekwini Municipality acknowledged the importance of public safety and expressed its commitment to expedite the maintenance and repair of sanitation infrastructure.
The Durban beachfront, a favourite tourist attraction during the festive season, has seen concerns escalate among holidaymakers due to recurrent issues with sewage infrastructure following flooding incidents. The 2022 festive season experienced a substantial shutdown of the beachfront due to elevated E. coli levels, resulting from damage sustained during April's flooding incidents. As visitors flock to the Durban coastline this year, vigilance remains paramount to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.