While the section of Gordon’s Bay Beach that was closed as a precautionary measure has been reopened, the City of Cape Town announced that the beach section between the tidal pools in Kalk Bay and Dalebrook, including the tidal pools, has been temporarily closed until further notice.
Also read: Temporary closure of Fish Hoek Beach due to sewage overflow
The City’s Environmental Health Service received water sampling results for Gordon’s Bay Beach and confirmed, over the weekend, that the water quality was within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines.
This follows the temporary closure at Gordon’s Bay due to a sewer overflow in the area related to a sewer pump station that tripped because inappropriate materials had been thrown into the local sewer network.
Under similar circumstances, the beach section between the tidal pools in Kalk Bay and Dalebrook has now also been temporarily closed until further notice.
“City Health will be taking water samples on a daily basis for water quality testing until such time as the levels are within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines,” read a statement from the City of Cape Town. “In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water until further notice.”
“This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues and therefore any person who enters the water does so at their own risk.”
Health warning signage has been erected, advising the public accordingly.
“The City apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the public for its cooperation during this time.”
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis visited the Strand Beach and public pool to view the various initiatives the City has in place to ensure the public and visitors are able to safely enjoy Cape Town’s beaches this festive season.
Despite the enormous impact of sustained high levels of loadshedding on City sewer pump stations and related infrastructure, quick responses by City teams resulted in only 1,4 km of Cape Town’s 300 km coastline being subjected to temporary precautionary closures due to sewer spills caused primarily by electrical faults and illegal dumping.
“I would like to thank every City official working over the festive season to ensure a safe and fun experience for all in Cape Town, especially on our busy beaches, which are the heart of our bustling tourist economy,” said the mayor.
“It is good to see Strand beach looking lively today after a section was temporarily closed due to an electrical fault at a sewer pump station. Sustained load-shedding continues to impact City infrastructure, as does discharge of foreign items into the sewer system. Where these incidents occur, we put safety first by effecting temporary precautionary closures until water quality results show it is safe for recreational use.”
Also read:
Gordon’s Bay beach closed until further notice due to sewer overflow
Picture: Cape{town}Etc Library