hartenbos river

Source: Instagram / Linden Hugo

Mossel Bay municipality closes Hartenbos river amid fears of contamination

Rather safe than sorry.

hartenbos river

Source: Instagram / Linden Hugo

It is Summer time in South Africa. The Western Cape government has lifted water restrictions at the perfect time. What more can a person ask for? Certainly not the closure of any beach. This, unfortunately, is the case for the Hartenbos river.

Hartenbos river not open for recreational activity

The beach near Mossel Bay is enjoyed by many during this time of the year, locals and visitors alike.

It is regarded as a Blue Flag Beach, with many amenities. A great spot to take in the cool breeze that’s brushed by Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean.

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There is adequate parking space and reliable ramps built for people with disabilities.

However, the Mossel Bay municipality may have halted many vacationers’ plans when it announced that it has prohibited all activity on the beach until further notice.

Mossel Bay municipality warns of poor water quality

According to an Eyewitness News article (written by Monique Mortlock), the public has been urged to refrain from playing near the Hartenbos river due to the suspected poor quality of the water.

Dads who use this area with their children to fish or collect bait will have to find another place to do this for the time being.

The municipality has prohibited all activities, including swimming in the area.

They have revealed that recent tests that have been conducted on the water have shown negative results.

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The municipality also revealed, in a statement, that it is waiting on the Department of Environmental Affairs to say whether it is safe to allow the water to flow into the river or not.

“Municipalities are monitoring the water quality of the river and the Blue Flag beach and will inform the public immediately should there be any change. Signboards have been erected at various points to warn the public accordingly,”

the municipality added.