The eThekwini Municipality says it has teams continuously working to repair sewer pipelines and trunk mains in uMhlanga.

This comes after the municipality was forced to close uMhlanga’s beaches due to poor water quality and high E. coli (sewage bacteria) levels.

uMhlanga’s Bronze and Main beaches were initially opened on December 1 by eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, but just two days later, the municipality was forced to reverse that decision.

On Thursday, municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela explained the decision to re-open uMhlanga’s beaches on December 1 was based upon water quality tests that were found compliant on four consecutive occasions.

“A decision was then taken to open them. However, subsequent tests showed that the water quality was no longer compliant, and they were 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. The frequency of water quality testing at bathing beaches has been increased to twice a week,” he said.

Another water quality test of uMhlanga’s beaches by an independent body was done on Thursda, Mayisela added, and results for this test are pending.

“Significant progress has been made in the repairs of coastal sewage pump stations which have been affecting water quality at beaches. Also in progress are repairs to sewer pipelines and trunk mains in uMhlanga, where teams are working around the clock to clear overflowing manholes,” he said.

As of today, a total of 11 beaches across eThekwini’s coastline are closed.

Beaches that are closed are Battery Beach, Country Club Beach, Thekwini Beach, Laguna Beach, Brighton Beach, uMhlanga Main, uMhlanga Bronze, Westbrook Beach, Réunion Beach, Warner Beach and Winklespruit Beach.