eThekwini says progress made despite Umhlanga beach closure
Umhlanga Main Beach has been closed again due to poor water quality, but eThekwini insists it's made huge progress in fixing damaged infrastructure that's been responsible for the contamination of Durban's beaches.
Over the past week, bathers keen for a swim at Umhlanga Main Beach have been met by a board informing them that bathing is temporarily not allowed due to unacceptable levels of E.coli in the water.
That hasn't stopped others from getting in the water.
When Newswatch visited the beach this week, a few people were seen wading in the ocean.
One local who had been studying the notice board remarked that the situation can't be good for the environment or for business along the promenade.
READ: eThekwini reopens Umhlanga beaches to public
"Durban tourism is obviously losing a lot of money every day and the amount of money that we are losing, we have got to fund the whole operation of fixing the treatment plants and there is no excuse for base service and holidaymakers and locals are suffering."
But the city's Msawakhe Mayisela says they are happy several beaches are open and water quality has improved in most parts.
He's added there's been a large number of visitors to the city despite the challenges.
"We are pulling out all the stops to ensure that we do not disappoint our tourists when they come back to the city. We will keep on updating the public with regards to the progress and the developments in this regard."
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