E. coli detected in Brighton Beach

THE ongoing sewage spills into the ocean continue to pose a health risk to The Bluff residents as Brighton Beach remains closed due to high levels of E. coli.

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This has prompted the DA to file an urgent application at the Durban High Court, forcing the eThekwini Municipality to fix the ageing sewage infrastructure and water crisis in eThekwini. The trial is set to start on August 8 after the party filed an application in court in February 2023.

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Malfunctioning sewage pump stations on The Bluff continue to discharge sewage to the ocean, resulting in high levels of E. coli. The beach has been temporarily closed to the public since September 2022, leaving beachgoers disappointed and local authorities scrambling to address the issue.

E. coli, a bacterium found in human and animal waste, can pose serious health risks if ingested through contaminated water. Escherichia coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause illness, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe infections.

Local authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to rectify the situation promptly. Plans are underway to conduct further testing, identify the source of contamination and implement necessary remediation efforts to restore the water quality to safe levels.

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Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon said, “The Bluff pump stations have not worked and are still pumping sewage from the golf course straight into the pipes onto the beaches. Across The Bluff, pump stations malfunction and the sewage fills the canal and the wetland and beaches. Broken promise after broken promise have been made to fix the infrastructure for years.”

In the meantime, the eThekwini Municipality appealed to beachgoers to adhere to the closure notices and avoid entering the water at Brighton Beach until clearance is given by health officials.

Alternative beach destinations along Durban’s picturesque coastline remain open for those seeking seaside relaxation. As efforts to address the contamination continue, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and exercise caution when engaging in recreational activities along the coast.

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