As eThekwini Municipality continues to monitor the quality of water at all beaches to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, Umdloti Main, Umdloti Tidal and Casuarina beaches are open from today, 10 December.

 

This follows a thumbs up from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) after numerous tests confirmed that the listed beaches are now safe for swimming. The department had issued a directive that these beaches should not open until it had given the green light.

 

Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda welcomed the good news. “We are happy that more beaches are re-opening. We will continue working together with all stakeholders and experts to ensure that we comply with safety standards.”

 

Mayor Kaunda said the Municipality received an authorisation letter to open these beaches from the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs on 9 December following a consistent reduction in the Ecoli levels.

 

The letter from the Department reads as follows:

 

"On 9 December 2022 the eThekwini Municipality provided the Department with recent sampling results from three different sources. The results show a consistent reduction in the Ecoli levels at the Mdloti Main Beach, Mdloti Tidal Beach and Casuarina beach. Based on the information provided the Department approves the opening of Mdloti Main Beach, Mdloti Tidal Beach and Casuarina beach."

 

Mayor Kaunda said: "The City will continue to monitor all beaches to comply to national water quality standards and guidelines. Appropriate steps will be taken should the need arise. Ours is to always prioritise the safety of residents and visitors.”

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For more information.