eThekwini municipality shuts four Durban beaches due to pollution ahead of festive season
Four popular Durban beaches have been temporarily closed by the eThekwini Municipality due to pollution concerns, just ahead of the festive season, as authorities work to ensure public health and safety.
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THE eThekwini Municipality has temporarily closed four popular Durban beaches after pollution was detected in the water, just days before the peak festive season weekend.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the municipality stated that Blue Lagoon, eThekwini Beach, Country Club Beach, and Battery Beach have been shut “as a precautionary measure” while investigations were underway.
“The city has established a dedicated team comprising senior municipal management to investigate the source of the pollution and implement appropriate mitigation measures,” read the statement.
The closures come as thousands of holidaymakers descend on Durban’s coastline for the December break. Authorities have assured the public that, 19 other bathing beaches remain open , all monitored by lifeguards and backed by a 2 000-strong Metro Police contingent working with SAPS to ensure safety.
The affected beaches will remain closed “pending further testing and investigation… to safeguard public health and safety.”
The municipality has not yet confirmed the source or nature of the pollution.