SEVERAL beaches will be significantly, but not completely, reopened from next week (November 2).
This follows the recommendations of a peer review of the specialists’ report on the safety of the beaches.
Beaches north of the Umgeni River have been closed for more than 80 days due to a toxic chemical spill from the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) warehouse in Cornubia.
The warehouse was set on fire during the KZN unrest that led to an environmental disaster and the closure of beaches.
Related story: Forum launched into Cornubia chemical spill
“The specialists’ report has recommended beaches be reopened for recreational purposes, but that an exclusion zone of one kilometre north and south of the uMhlanga estuary mouth, and one kilometre out to sea, in which all activities remain prohibited, should be maintained. This means that 96% of the beaches that had been closed will now be opened for recreational purposes only, but not for fishing or harvesting of marine resources,” said the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Ravi Pillay.
He added that all fishing and harvesting of marine resources (shore angling and the harvesting, utilisation and consumption of shellfish) between the Umgeni River mouth to Salt Rock and one kilometre out to sea, remains prohibited.
The peer review was undertaken by the British Professor, Jason Weeks, a highly respected and eminently qualified expert with vast experience in the assessment of toxic spills.
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“We understand that the closure of beaches has had a negative impact on businesses and subsistence fishermen. We had decided to approach the matter with extreme caution given the impact that any irresponsible decision could have on public health. We are satisfied now, as specialists have said in their reports, that there is little to no danger in reopening the beaches for recreational purposes. Of course, going forward, there will be a constant review of the situation,” he said.
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