Burst sewer pipe forces closure of Umhlanga beaches
The Umhlanga beaches, north of Durban have been closed to the public following a burst sewer pipe in the area.
Authorities have ordered the full closure of all the beaches in the area while crews work to repair the pipe.
eThekwini Ward 35 councillor, Heinz de Boer says reports were first received yesterday.
"The initial report came through yesterday afternoon of quite a substantial sewerage leak from a sewer that runs down towards the promenade. It was then spilling across the promenade onto the beach. Unfortunately, the crews from the Department of Water and Sanitation could only get out there in the evening," he said.
De Boer says crews worked through the night and returned to the site again this morning.
He says the beaches are likely to remain off-limits tomorrow so the effluent be cleared.
"There are definitely plans by the department to get high water hoses and other disinfectants onto the promenade and onto the beach sand there to sanitise as much as possible," he said.
eThekwini Ward 35 councillor, Heinz de Boer says reports were first received yesterday.
"The initial report came through yesterday afternoon of quite a substantial sewerage leak from a sewer that runs down towards the promenade. It was then spilling across the promenade onto the beach. Unfortunately, the crews from the Department of Water and Sanitation could only get out there in the evening," he said.
De Boer says crews worked through the night and returned to the site again this morning.
He says the beaches are likely to remain off-limits tomorrow so the effluent be cleared.
"There are definitely plans by the department to get high water hoses and other disinfectants onto the promenade and onto the beach sand there to sanitise as much as possible," he said.
The Umhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct released a statement earlier saying it will provide updates as to the status of the beaches.
Have you been affected by the sewer pipe leak at the Umhlanga beaches? If so, let us know by sending a WhatsApp voice note to 061-700-0800.