The eThekwini Municipality has been forced to close two beaches along the uMhlanga coastline – just days after they were ‘reopened’.

Last week, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the beaches within the metro were ‘open for business’ and ‘safe’.

However, recent water quality tests by an independent water treatment company, Talbot, showed high E coli levels, forcing the closure of uMhlanga Bronze Beach and uMhlanga Main Beach.

Both of these popular tourism beaches have been closed for more than 250 days this year.

uMhlanga councillor Nicole Bollman said last week’s reopening of uMhlanga’s beaches was based on a publicly accessible water quality test conducted on November 25.

While the tests show that water quality for sewage bacteria had improved considerably, Bollman said the rains last weekend flushed the mouth of the Ohlanga River into the ocean.

“There are still hotspots where sewerage leaks are bypassing the newly commissioned pump station. I don’t feel it’s safe. I think the mayor was premature in reopening uMhlanga’s beaches. I have tried my best to show people what is coming down the river. I am worried that people are at risk of infections. I feel it’s imperative that it is known we don’t want the beaches closed; we want them to be safe for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.

“Although we fully support the tourism industry, which has been hard hit by the various ‘on again, off again’ approaches by the [municipality], our concern is that failure to consider the resolution and repair of the sewer reticulation system in its entirety, from source to the wastewater treatment plant in Phoenix, will result in an ecological and health catastrophe.”

She said this would put both swimmers and lifeguards at risk of illness.

Beaches that are still open

According to the eThekwini Municipality, uMdloti beach on the KZN north coast is open, while several of Durban’s beaches, including Point, uShaka, Addington, South, Wedge, North, Bay of Plenty, Battery, Country Club, Brighton and Pipeline are open.

Meanwhile, on the KZN south coast, Toti Main and Warner beaches are currently open.