Festive season is fast approaching, and Capetonians are gearing up to head out to the glistening beaches and spend some much-needed time relaxing. But those who were looking forward to splashing around at Seaforth and Waters Edge beaches might have to wait a bit longer.
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department advised that Seaforth and Waters Edge Beaches remain closed for recreation after being alerted to a sewage spill in Simon’s Town on Thursday morning, November 4.
“The overflow from the rising main from pump station 4, Simon’s Town, has run down through the parking area and walkways down to Seaforth Beach.
“Initial assessments indicated that it could be a collapsed sewer linked to the rising sewer main and further assessments are under way to determine the shortest possible route to remediate the situation,” the City explained.
The pipe was fully repaired the same day, the area was cleaned, and bio-enzymes were also applied.
Repeat water sampling as per standard protocol is ongoing, and the beaches will be reopened only once testing confirms bacterial counts have returned to safe levels.
Water quality results for Thursday’s samples, taken during the spill, showed very high bacterial levels, and results from each water sample take at least 48 hours.
The road surface has been levelled until resurfacing can be completed, and the reason for the break is still under investigation.
Signage has been erected in the area at both beaches, advising the public of the situation, but any person who enters the water does so at their own risk. The City will advise as soon as the beaches are open again to the public.
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Picture: @Capetown_Eagle