PRELIMINARY investigations into the possible source of medical waste washed up on local beaches earlier this week reveal that the debris found consists mostly of general waste and driftwood with a fraction of the waste pharmaceutical in nature.
Officials from eThekwini Municipality, National and Provincial Departments of Environmental Affairs and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, conducted the investigations. it is thought that the waste originated from various sources along the catchment that washed into the sea from Umngeni river following recent heavy rains in Duran.
As a result the precautionary beach closure of uMngeni/Mangrove, Beachwood, Virginia and Glenashley beaches has been lifted. However, the public are encouraged to exercise caution when using beaches as there is still a lot of debris washing ashore.
Clean-up operations are on-going. The Municipality and other stakeholders are working extended hours to ensure that the waste is collected and disposed of speedily and efficiently.
Any pharmaceutical waste collected will be disposed of separately by a registered waste management company.
For enquiries, members of the public can contact 031 335 3700.
