City reminds public to keep away from uMhlanga River exclusion zone
Two security guards have been posted on the beach and will be monitoring activity in the exclusion zones.
WHILE beaches north of Durban are open, the eThewkini Municipality has reminded the public to refrain from entering the exclusion zone 1km north and 1km south of the uMhlanga River mouth.
The exclusion zone was imposed to ensure the public does not come into contact with the water in the estuary as it is still considered hazardous, explained the eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.
This comes after the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) warehouse was set on fire during the KZN unrest in July, which led to an environmental disaster.
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“There is also a ban on fishing, swimming, surfing and other recreational activities, the collection of mussels and other aquatic life in the specific zone, which includes 1km out to sea.
“Extensive efforts have been made by clean-up crews appointed by UPL to reduce and contain the contamination that caused serious environmental damage to the Ohlange River and uMhlanga River Estuary. While there has been some degree of success, the effects of the contamination will take years to remediate. Any inconvenience is regretted, however, the safety of the public is of utmost importance,” he said.
Mayisela urged the public to comply with requests from authorities.
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