The continued closure of beaches in the eThekwini area is having a devastating effect on the accommodation and hospitality industry.

That is according to an uMhlanga business owner who said the province has had to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic, a chemical spill as a result of the unrest, and now, the closure of beaches due to high levels of E. coli.

According to the eThekwini Municipality, the sewerage network and several pump stations across the municipality, were damaged due to the recent floods, resulting in sewage pollution in many rivers and now the ocean.

Nicole Olivier, owner of La Spiaggia, one of the restaurants on the promenade, said she noticed a downturn in business activity along the promenade.

“I understand and have seen for myself the scale of destruction from the recent KZN floods. Surely, though, your sewage treatment plants are one of the main priorities to fix. It has been unbelievably difficult for all businesses after the flooding, and this continued closure is hurting us all. This past weekend alone could have been a busy one.

“I can certainly say our sales are down and without people on the beach, restaurants like ours suffer. We all understand the health and safety aspect, but we also need feedback on when the beaches will re-open.
“We aren’t even sure if the municipality is testing the beaches to measure the E. coli levels. We need clarity and a plan of action on when the beaches will reopen,” she said.

In a statement on its Facebook page, the eThekwini Municipality said they are fast-tracking the repairs to major sewerage infrastructure.

“In the interests of public health, communities are advised to avoid all contact (swimming, fishing, recreational and sporting activities, as well as traditional activities) with water in rivers or streams as this may result in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera, and other waterborne-related diseases,” the statement read.