Beaches from Umdloti to Westbrook closed amid E.coli outbreak
Beaches north of the Tongaat River (Ballito onwards) remain open.
The eThekwini Metro yesterday took a decision to close a number of the beaches within its control, including from Umdloti to Westbrook on the North Coast.
This after testing revealed high levels of E.coli bacteria in the water along the entirety of the Metro’s seaboard as far South as Amanzimtoti.
Beaches north of the Tongaat River (Ballito onwards) remain open.
The closure comes in the wake of numerous viral social media posts, including one where dead fish were allegedly seen lining the banks of the Umgeni River and consistent reports of sewerage runoff since the floods.
“Residents can still enjoy other activities along the beach that do not require them to come into contact with the sea water.
“Beachgoers are urged to heed this warning as disregarding it could result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases,” said eThekwini spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.
He said lifeguards and law enforcement officers would remain on duty to ensure no one enters the water until such time it is deemed safe to do so.
No timeline on reopening has yet been announced.
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