Nelson Mandela Bay beachgoers will have to skip New Brighton Beach this festive season as high levels of E.coli forced its temporary closure.
The municipality announced the closure on Sunday, revealing that issues at the Fishwater Flats wastewater treatment plant were to blame.
The plant, which processes 64% of the city’s wastewater before releasing it into the sea, is not functioning properly due to theft and vandalism.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality regrets to announce the temporary closure of New Brighton Beach due to ongoing challenges at the Fishwater Flats waste-water treatment works, resulting in the detection of high levels of E.coli. The New Brighton beach will be closed until such time that the results are within the stipulated limits,” municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said.
Critical equipment, including electrical cables and motor control centres (MCCs), has been stolen and vandalised, disrupting the treatment process.
The municipality has hired additional security guards to protect the plant as repairs continue.
According to MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering Cllr Pali-Jongilanga, repairs are underway and are expected to cost R10.5 million.
She urged residents to use other beaches in the area for now.
“We understand the inconvenience this closure may cause to our residents and visitors, but the safety of our community is our top priority. We are working diligently to address the issues at the Fishwater Flats WWTW and restore its full operational capacity. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time,” Jongilanga said.
Pictured above: New Brighton Beach, located before Bluewater Bay in Gqeberha.
Source: NMBM website
