A sewage spillage incident has prompted the closure of Thompson’s Bay Beach in Ballito on January 10. The spillage came from the main stormwater channel discharge point and had since been linked to power outages experienced in the surrounding areas.
Sipho Mkhize – KwaDukuza Municipality spokesperson – has advised the public that the matter is under investigation, and an update will be provided once a clearer picture emerges.
Mkhize also stated that the public is free to use any other beaches unaffected by the spillage, according to IOL.
This spillage incident comes a mere few days after the eThekwini Municipality closed several beaches along the Durban North coast when murky waters were observed.
‘My partner and I visited the South Coast to celebrate New Year’s Eve. We swam at both Umzumbwe Beach beach and Granny’s Tidal Pool and surrounds,’ said Simpson, a resident. ‘I woke up one morning feeling extremely nauseous and had terrible intermittent stomach cramps. A day later and the e-coli was in full swing: nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea. It’s so sad that we can no longer enjoy the beauty of our oceans without fear of getting sick. Stop this sh*t – literally!’
High levels of E. coli was detected in the waters; a bacteria that is typically harmless, but can lead to life-threatening conditions in particular cases, according to WHO.
Picture: Macknal/Flickr Commons
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