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The DA in eThekwini has written to the City Manager, Mr. Musa Mbhele, to request that he shares details of the laboratory that was used to test water quality leading to the opening of 13 beaches.

This as the city’s own laboratory is allegedly not accredited.

We are therefore very concerned about the municipality’s decision to open these beaches and request clarity on whether or not they used their own laboratory or a private one.

Wastewater systems throughout the city are still in a state of collapse with very little progress being made on repairs. This means that we still have huge volumes of sewage flowing into our water courses and ultimately into our ocean.

It is also concerning that the city does not make the findings of their testing public. Test results done recently on some of the 13 beaches by an independent, accredited laboratory were made public and they indicate that these beaches should remain closed.

The DA understands the importance of working towards the recovery of our tourist industry, but at the cost of endangering lives. With the current levels of sewage in our rivers and ocean the possibility of outbreaks of water borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid, among others, is very real.

The DA considers the municipality’s decision to open these beaches to be highly irresponsible. We will continue to monitor the independent test results and pressurize the city to ensure that the health and ultimately lives of our residents and visitors are put first.

Issued by Councillor Gavin Hegter - DA eThekwini Councillor