THE eThekwini Municipality opened uMhlanga’s beaches on Thursday, December 1 in a move to signify that Durban is ready for the festive season.

High E. coli levels have seen the popular tourist destination closed for more than 200 days this year.

This is in part due to substantial damage to the sewerage infrastructure network, with the Ohlange Sewerage Pump Station (Blackburn) in particular affecting uMhlanga.

Also Read: City opens more beaches as water quality improves

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City had made ‘great strides’ in repairing the pumps at the station which would mean the ‘water quality at uMhlanga Beach will continue to improve’.

The mayor did not accede to a request from Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman to go swimming at uMhlanga Main Beach and instead donned a bathing suit and swam at Durban’s North Beach.

“Our beaches and swimming pools are open, and we have plenty of attractions on offer for our visitors. The intention is to showcase to the world that Durban is open for business and that, indeed, we remain Africa’s playground. Most of the city’s beaches are open and safe for swimming following improved water quality results. To guarantee this, the City has partnered with one of the reputable and independent laboratories, Talbot, to ensure that the quality of our water is constantly tested. We have agreed to compare and share our results publicly,” Kaunda said.

According to Kaunda, E. coli readings are low and in keeping with international water quality standards at uMhlanga’s Main and Bronze beaches.

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