Litter-strewn Sandspit sparks clean-up plea
Dismay at the filth and litter has prompted a plea to clean up Sandspit beach.
AS we head into summer more people take to the beaches. Sandspit, situated below the Mzimkhulu River bridge in Port Shepstone, is a popular spot during weekends and is frequently visited during December by holidaymakers.
A local was disgusted when he walked from Umtentweni to Sandspit recently to be greeted by hundreds of bottles, plastic bags, plastic containers, paper and plates under the bridge. “What a sad, shocking sight; filth everywhere,” he said.
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The Mzimkhulu River rises in the Drakensburg mountains at the confluence of the Ngwangwane and Underberg River. It flows southeast towards the Indian Ocean, which it enters through an estuary at Port Shepstone.
This historic site of what used to be a harbour is the third biggest river in KwaZulu-Natal and a famous fishing site and fish spawning location.
“This exact spot is Port Shepstones’ claim to fame and should be a site for tourism as it has a fascinating history. It is also the furthest place south that Shaka Zulu visited.
It also saw the arrival of Norwegians and Germans in little boats through the river mouth,” said the Umtentweni man.
He said the piles of litter strewn in this area are in complete disregard of the river and the environment. “The municipality is letting not only the tourist industry but also the local population down,” he said.
He suggested that a big clean-up should be organised to restore this area to a pristine condition.
When the Herald reporter visited the area it was in a shocking state, as the Umtentweni resident had said. Ray Nkonyeni Municipality was asked for a comment but none had been received before going to print.
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