Date: 2025-01-09 09:12:58
Update: City’s uMhlanga beaches to open following investigation
ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 JANUARY 2025
UPDATE: CITY’S UMHLANGA BEACHES TO OPEN FOLLOWING INVESTIGATION
The uMhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach will open tomorrow, 9 January after being temporarily closed by the City while investigations were underway following reports of unidentified “ball” shaped solid matter mixed with beach sand.
Laboratory results released by scientists from the Scientific Services of samples taken from the solid “balls”, which were shown in a circulating video on social media, have found that the solid particles are fats, likely originating from food establishments.
The closure of the beaches was a precautionary measure while investigations from the Scientific Services team were pending.
After initial complaints about potential sewage pollution at these two beaches were received, an immediate investigation by the Pollution and Environment Department was carried out.
Beach water samples and the “ball” shaped solid matter were collected for laboratory analysis.
While findings indicate very low faecal contamination in water samples taken on 7 January 2025 at both the uMhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach, the source of the solid “ball” matter is being profiled to confirm its origin. Beach clean-up operations will commence to remove the “ball” shaped solid matter now that investigations have been carried out.
The Municipality cautions against the spreading of unverified information and urges the public and media to refrain from speculative reporting. The City remains committed to transparency regarding beach water quality and will continue to provide updates.
The public is also urged to note that 21 beaches are open and safe for swimming in the City. The two beaches that are closed due to ongoing maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Works are Anstey’s Beach and Country Club Beach.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communication Unit.
Disability Right Awareness Month
