OPINION: Sewage spill spoils festive season
Holidaymakers have taken critical notice on sewage spills on the South Coast.
This is the first time in 40 years I have been goaded into writing to a newspaper editor.
My first visit to the South Coast was 82 years ago and I have been a regular, annual visitor for most of the years since.
It culminated in building a holiday home in Ramsgate.
December 2023 was a disaster for visitors to the South Coast. Raw sewage had been pouring into the river at Ramsgate beach for more that two months, prior to December. Attempts by local businesses to assist in fixing (and paying) for the problem were scorned by the municipality.
From what we understand, most of the rivers on the South Coast are polluted.
No signs were placed on the beaches to warn visitors that the sea was contaminated. Lifeguards said it was not their problem.
Many visitors became ill from swimming in the sea, let alone the lagoons!
It is not just eThekwini that has problems.
Ugu District Municiplaity has not solved its problems, yet local elections show an increase in ANC votes.
I think the mayor remains one of the highest paid mayors in the country.
Quite depressing for the local residents and business owners who are facing a bleak future.
DIV GEERINGH
Johannesburg
* This letter was sent to Ugu for comment on January 12, but no response has been received to date.
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