National intervention needed on Durban E. coli crisis, says environmentalist
A local environmentalist has called on the Water and Sanitation Department to act as high E. coli level keep several beaches in Durban closed.
The city on Wednesday reopened Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach.
But beachgoers aren't allowed to swim at Westbrook, uMdloti Main, Reunion, Warner Ansteys and Winklespruit until their water quality improves.
eThekwini has blamed the problem on failing pump stations due to vandalism load shedding, and people who flush foreign objects into the sewerage system.
READ: DA to challenge eThekwini over E. coli levels
Janet Simpkins from Adopt-A-River says it's frustrating because it's an ongoing issue.
"We saw what happened over the December festive period, and unfortunately, this is a similar continuation. It is now sanctioning pump stations and infrastructure that needs attention.
"Unfortunately, these are the resulting issue is that E. coli makes its way through sewerage and runoff, and now once again urge national Water and Sanitation to make sure funds are available to once and for all fix the infrastructure that desperately needs repairs."
