City sounds the alarm over E.coli levels in uMngeni River

THE eThekwini Municipality has warned that recreational activities, which includes paddling, on the uMngeni and uMhlangane rivers is not recommended.

This comes after water quality tests along the river revealed high levels of E.coli.

It is unclear whether this will affect the finish of Dusi Canoe Marathon, which ends on Saturday at Blue Lagoon.

Also Read: Source of murky discharge in uMngeni River identified

eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo said this was due to sewage overflow from some of eThekwini sewerage pump stations that were vandalised.

“Repairs have been made on two pump stations and are now operating. However, the Johanna Road Pump Station feeding uMhlangane tributary which joins uMngeni River is still under repairs. The Water and Sanitation Department is dosing the storm water overflow with chlorine tablets. The outlet pipe from the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works is being dosed with sodium hypochlorite,” Khuzwayo said.

She said the City had taken the decision to close Blue Lagoon Beach.

“Recreational activities at uMngeni River and the uMhlangane tributary are not recommended. The public will be informed once it’s safe to use water and the city apologises for inconvenience caused,” she said.

Related story: Concerns grow over health of uMngeni River

Earlier this week, Janet Simpkins told Northglen News the state of the uMngeni River remains critical.

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