While more beaches within the eThekiwni Metro’s jurisdiction south of Durban were reopened on Tuesday, a directive from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) has determined that Umdloti, Laguna and Bronze beaches remain closed.

The Metro said several southern beaches had been reopened after water tests confirmed them to be safe, this included Country Club, Winkelspruit and Ansteys Beach.

While spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela conceded that water quality had very likely also improved to acceptable levels at Umdloti, Laguna and Bronze beaches, they would remain closed as per the EDTEA directive.

Private testing of the water at Umdloti’s beaches indicating that E.coli levels were within acceptable limits for the past month.

Also read: Umdloti residents plead for reopening of town’s beaches

The Courier spoke with EDTEA media liaison officer, Malusi Mchunu who said EDTEA were doing their own tests at these beaches.

“The applications to reopen these beaches were received late last week from eThekiwni Metro. As such, we are conducting our own assessments and once the process is complete we will notify the Metro,” he said.

Westbrook beach also remains closed, as do the beaches at Addington, Brighton, Reunion and Umhlanga.

Beaches which are open include Point, uShaka, Wedge, North, Battery, Bay of Plenty, Pipeline, Toti Main, Warner and Umgababa beaches.

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