DEAR Editor,-
The Uvongo beach has been closed for the last two weeks due to high E.coli counts in the lagoon. The Ugu Environmental Department was forced to, and therefore has recently implemented the ‘South African Water Quality Guidelines For Coastal Marine Water’, which are much stricter than the ‘SANS 42 Guidelines’ used in the past. The new prescribed threshold is 500 E.coli per 100ml compared to a 1 000 E.oli count in the past.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN : Margate beach open, but lagoon remains closed
Furthermore it is interesting to note that whenever any lagoon’s E.coli count is over the threshold, the lagoon is immediately closed. Once the lagoon breaches and flows into the ocean the beach will, from now on, automatically also be closed for public health and safety purposes. This never happened in the past.
Unfortunately in the case of Uvongo Beach, the river flows year round into the ocean and from now on the beach will always be closed if the lagoon E.coli counts are over the limit. Not good news.
Whilst the Uvongo tidal pool is still open, we’ve also requested Ugu to do tests there – which they did on Tuesday this week. I’m waiting for the lagoon’s latest test results and will share both results as soon as I receive it.
Unfortunately Ugu has no option but to apply the new standards as they can be held criminally liable if people get sick. I agree, let’s rather put the people’s health and safety first. Let’s hope the tidal pool is fine and that the beach will be open soon.
We are fortunate to have two other beautiful beaches close by – Lucien Beach, a Blue Flag beach with no river or lagoon, and St Mike’s beach, where the latest test results are well within the limits.
Please use them as alternatives in the meantime.
The blame for this lies squarely on Ugu’s shoulders and I’ve demanded them to find the source of the contamination as a matter of urgency and deal with it once and for all. They assured me that they are doing everything possible to get to the bottom of the problem as they realise the impact of beach closures on the local economy and the tourism industry.
I shall keep you informed on all fronts.
DA CLLR GEORGE HENDERSON
Ward 19: Uvongo, Manaba and St Michaels-on-Sea
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
