A broken pump has again caused huge quantities of raw sewage to flow directly into the ocean around 50 metres south of Westbrook’s previously blue-flag main beach.

This is the latest in a series of issues experienced by sewerage stations in the area, raising questions about the water safety at Westbrook’s main swimming beach.

The pump, directly behind the main lifeguard tower, broke again yesterday which led to the spill.

With no pump functioning, the raw sewage simply overflowed into the storm water collection pipe which drains underneath the lifeguard tower.

Most of the sewage flowed into the ocean, but some formed pools in a stagnant makeshift pond underneath the tower where local children who are nervous to go into the shore break often swim.

eThekwini Metro has since fixed the pump with clean-up teams dispatched.

“We were made aware of this issue yesterday afternoon. A team was dispatched immediately and the pump was repaired with speed. A team is currently busy facilitating a clean-up,” said Metro spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.

eThekwini did not respond to queries regarding the safety of swimming at the beach and if any precautionary water testing had been done.

People were seen swimming at the beach during the Courier’s visit yesterday afternoon.

The Metro urged residents who experience similar issues to report these as soon as possible to the city’s call centre on 080 1313 013 so they can be attended to the problems promptly.

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