Lack of awareness campaigns blamed for beach pollution

THE aftermath and widespread destruction caused by recent heavy rainfall in Durban have sparked a debate about the lack of proper education on beach pollution resulting from litter.

Beaches are again covered in plastic and debris that were channeled through the river system to the beaches.

Litter included household items such as blankets, and food containers that came directly from the blocked water streams and places where refuse was illegally disposed.

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Air quality and health officer at the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), Bongani Mthembu, said the recent floods will have long-lasting impacts on the marine life.

Lack of public awareness about beach pollution

He criticised residents who dispose of their household waste in areas not designated for dumping, as this contributes to beach pollution.

“This goes to show the level of ignorance on the part of our communities. We have been engaging with residents on numerous occasions to try and educate them about the dangers of disposing waste in the areas that are not designated to do so. However, our communities seem to be negligent about littering in places where they are not supposed to.

“Beach pollution impacts marine life in varying ways, depending on the type of pollution. For instance, chemical pollution is particularly harmful as it can directly kill marine organisms by contaminating their habitat and disrupting the natural ecosystem. On the other hand, domestic waste pollution, while not as immediately lethal, can still have significant consequences. It affects the beach environment itself, reducing its beauty and making it uninhabitable for both wildlife and humans. Fisherfolk are also negatively impacted, as polluted beaches can affect fishing conditions and even contaminate catches. Beachgoers, too, are deterred from using the beach due to the unsightly and hazardous waste,” said Mthembu.

Early this week, debris and litter started flowing to the beaches, making it an ugly sight for nearby residents and those who frequently visit the beaches.

At Cuttings Beach, waste pickers were seen collecting the plastic waste material for recycling.

Mthembu said that the SDCEA places a strong emphasis on community awareness during beach clean-ups, actively involving local communities.

He said this helps them understand the importance of environmental care and the various reasons people use the beach, such as for traditional rituals and other purposes. He said their organisation collaborates closely with DSW on these efforts.

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“We’ve conducted several beach clean-up programmes, raising awareness among different communities and schools,” he said.

“I don’t think our community leaders are doing enough to raise awareness on beach pollution, however, there are leaders who strive to rise above the current pollution problem and reach out to communities.

“There are many overflowing waste skips in our communities that are not collected on certain days. As a result, refuse ends up causing a health hazard to humans and the environment,” he said.

He added that beach pollution contributes to climate change as in the eco-system within the ocean marine life is dying due to this.

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