Durban — On Wednesday, the Msunduzi Municipality was in the final stretch of preparations to get their swimming pools summer-ready, on the same day the eThekwini Municipality announced it had closed its southern beaches due to poor water quality.
The Msunduzi Municipality said that the community services portfolio committee chairperson, Nokuthula Msimang, led committee members on a pool visits exercise on Wednesday.
“This task was to assess the condition of the swimming pool facilities in the city,” Msunduzi said.
“The portfolio committee used this opportunity to note down issues that need to be addressed by the municipality before October when all the swimming pools are expected to be open to the public.”
Later on Wednesday, the eThekwini Municipality said the municipality closed southern beaches due to poor water quality.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said that the latest round of water testing for beaches has shown improvement for some of the beaches, but a deterioration for others.
He said that water quality in central beaches has significantly improved but they remain closed pending further monitoring.
“In the southern region, water quality is poor with the result that some south beaches will be closed with immediate effect. The following beaches will be closed: Isipingo, Ansteys, Amanzimtoti Main, Warner, Garvies, Baggies, Reunion, and Winklespruit beaches,” Mayisela said.
“All water activities at these beaches are banned for health reasons.
“Beaches that remain open include Umgababa, Umkomaas, Brighton, and Treasure beaches.
“The municipality will continue to test water quality at beaches on a regular basis. The public will be notified when it is safe to visit affected beaches.”
Daily News