IT COULD be another “iffy” summer for locals and the anticipated 1.3 million visitors who might not be able to take a dip with confidence at some of the beaches on Durban’s famed Golden Mile, between the Point Waterfront and Suncoast Casino.
“No bathing” signs were posted at the same beaches during December 2023 and 2022 because of poor water quality due to the critically high Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels in those times, according to the eThekwini Municipality’s website.
E coli is a group of bacteria that can cause infection in the human gut, urinary tract and other body parts.
Talbot: The Art of Water, a company reputed for its water resilience and sustainability work, posted the results of water samples for six Durban beaches last Thursday, which showed five with critically high E. Coli levels.
The affected beaches included Point, South, North, Battery and Country Club, with only uShaka deemed safe.
However, the eThekwini Municipality was enthused over what is shaping up to be a bumper holiday season having delivered its own water sample test results on Wednesday.
The results indicated that only two of the eleven beaches in the “Central” area had recorded critically high E. coli levels.
This after results released by the entity on Monday showed that eight Central beaches were not bathing-friendly.
Mayor Cyril Xaba led the launch event for Durban’s state of readiness campaign ahead of the festive season on Wednesday.
About the beaches, Xaba said: “As we edge closer, we continue to monitor and conduct weekly assessments of beach water quality to ensure that residents and visitors are kept abreast of the test results.
“The latest beach water quality results indicate that 19 Durban beaches are open while four are temporarily closed as investigations to trace the source of pollution are currently underway.”
The day before, Xaba was present at the municipality’s executive committee meeting when Yogis Govender, the DA’s exco representative, brought up the issue of beach water quality, and reflected her party’s concerns and made reference to Talbot’s recent (November 21) E. coli readings.
Govender was at odds with the municipality embarking on its state of readiness initiative in spite of the water quality tests for some beaches showing E. coli infestation in the millions.
In the press statement released by the DA, Govender said: “Anything over 400 cfu/100ml is considered critical and here our readings are in the hundreds of thousands.”
She said her inquiry was defended by other exco members, with one city official saying regular tests were a waste.
Govender claimed they were sacrificing the health and safety of unsuspecting members of the public by upholding the reputation of the municipality.
She said the municipality had not posted beach water quality results for a while and suggested that the results be made available to councillors at the very least.
Govender was surprised by media reports the next day, where the mayor stated bathing was not permissible at 10 beaches in Durban because of E. coli levels and his call for regular tests.
“It is unfortunate that the municipality keeps insisting that our beaches are safe to swim and that independent testing should not be relied on.
“We condemn this blatant disregard for the safety of residents and the failure of officials and city management to be proactive,’ she said.
Gugu Sisilana, the municipality’s spokesperson said they were transparent with the water quality results, which were shared publicly on their website, and on signage at beaches.
“If there are poor results, the pollution team immediately traces the source so that remedial work is done to stop the pollution.
“The water quality is re-sampled and when the results are clear, E.Coli compliant and safe for public use the affected beach is then reopened. The closure of any beach is a temporary precaution.”
Sisilana said the test results conducted by Talbot on November 21 were comparable with the City’s test results hence 10 beaches were temporarily closed but those beaches have since been re-opened.
Re-sampling was conducted on November 25 and 27 and only four beaches are now closed. They are Reunion, Anstey’s, Battery and Bay of Plenty
Beaches that are safe for public use are; uShaka, Addington, Point, North, Bay of Plenty, Wedge, South, Country Club, Thekwini, Laguna, uMhlanga Main, uMdloti Main, Bronze, Westbrook, Umgababa, Toti Main, Pipeline, Warner, Brighton and Winkelspruit.
Meanwhile, the CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said their beaches were ready to welcome holidaymakers this summer season.
“We have 58 golden beaches, renowned for top-class surfing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, stand-up paddling, and many other water-based activities. Once again, the KZN South Coast boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, which is a testament to the quality water, safe bathing conditions, and commitment to sustainability.”
Sibiya said their beaches were monitored for compliance in accordance with the South African water quality guidelines for coastal marine waters.
“Water samples were taken monthly by Ugu Environmental Health Services for analysis, out of season, and twice weekly in season.”
“The festive season is the KZN South Coast’s busiest time traditionally, and we are anticipating bumper visitor numbers this year,” said Sibiya