Uvongo beach will remain closed to the public until water quality results reflect acceptable readings to allow for reopening.

The beach was closed on December 30 after a sewage spill contaminated the sea water as a result of damage to two sewage pump stations at the Masinenge low cost housing project.

The Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs said the e.coli toxicity levels remain above the permissible threshold of 500.

However, the latest results, especially for the sea and lagoon are showing a substantial decrease in water pollution.

Results from the tests conducted on Wednesday, January 5 show that the e.coli reading for Uvongo River below the Masinenge impact point.

Uvongo lagoon was showing a reading of 2700 down from 8700 while the sea was at 1000 down from 5900.

A multi-departmental team that has been on the ground since the incident occurred has reported that there is no further spillage visible on site, and repair work to the pumps is still underway but progressing satisfactorily.

Another water sampling was done yesterday (January 6) and the results will be available tomorrow afternoon.

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