Durban north coast beaches

Durban North coast beaches still closed after ‘toxic’ spill

Health professionals have advised the city to keep beaches closed after receiving water and sediment sample results today.

Durban north coast beaches

All Durban North Coast beaches north of the Umgeni River to Tongaat River remain closed eThekwini Municipality announced on Thursday.

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said in a statement on 26 August that health authorities were appealing to the public to refrain from any activities on Durban North Coast beaches until the water quality is deemed safe.

The closure of the beaches follows the chemical spill that occurred during the unrest in July when a chemical warehouse in Cornubia was set alight. The spill contaminated the Ohlanga River and uMhlanga Estuary which leads to the sea in the Umhlanga area. Authorities closed the beaches as a precautionary measure as it was not known how far the contamination had spread, what chemicals had leeched into the sea, and what effect it would have on the human health.

“Results of initial samples taken were received today and the professional specialist team employed by UPL have advised the city that beaches should remain closed,” Mayisela said.

 “A second set of test samples were taken last week, results of which are due back on Friday. Authorities will reassess the temporary closure of the beaches and related activities. The public are asked to be patient and comply with requests from authorities. Any inconvenience is regretted however the safety of the public is of utmost importance,” he said.

He said samples to test the water and sediment to determine toxicity of the water would continue to be taken.  

 “The water in Ohlanga River and Umhlanga Estuary is deemed toxic due to the chemicals in the system, and is therefore not safe for any use. Fences have been erected and guards have been placed in the vicinity of the estuary to ensure that the public do not enter the area. The public are urged to obey the instruction of the officials and guards,” he said.

“The public is advised to refrain from all recreational beach activities, including fishing or surfing, swimming, bait collection and picking up of dead species. Collecting or harvesting of any marine living resource in the area is temporarily prohibited as they could have been exposed to toxic chemicals and could be harmful to human health.

This warning and temporary closure of beaches remains in place until the threat has been determined to be abated,” Mayisela added.