Despite hazardous pollution in the Milnerton Lagoon and Small Bay Beach in Bloubergstrand, visitors flocked to these beaches for some “festive relaxation”.
Ignoring the big pollution warning signage at both beaches, beachgoers dipped their toes in the water “clearly oblivious to the fact that they can become seriously ill”, says Ryan Foster, who took his dog for a walk on New Year’s Day.
“It was like a flock of birds descending on the ocean,” he says.
Both the Milnerton Lagoon and Small Bay beach were closed during the festive period due to the polluted water. However, Small Bay beach reopened on Tuesday 3 January.
According to the statement from the City, Small Bay was closed due to a damaged sewer pipe.
The damaged pipe section was isolated inside the manhole. Sewer flow is being diverted using a mobile pump that is running for 24 hours. Spillage onto the beach is contained. Repairs to the damaged section will be resolved depending on the tide timetable.
The City has taken water samples for water quality testing before reopening the beach.
“The City’s environmental health service has received the recent water sampling results for Small Bay and can confirm that the results show that the water quality is within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the national water quality guidelines,” the City told TygerBurger.
“”The health warning signs have been removed.”
Same issues
The Milnerton Lagoon and Small Bay made headlines last year after high levels of pollution was detected in the water.
The City is currently rolling out several measures to deal with the hazardous pollution in the Milnerton Lagoon, including a R5 billion upgrade to the Potsdam Wastewater Treatment Works.
Residents in the area and environmental activists have been complaining about a stench from the polluted lagoon, which has raised health and safety concerns.
A recent fish die-off in the Milnerton lagoon was probably caused by rapid algae growth in the sewage-polluted estuary, the City previously said.
The City says the Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary Mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming.
There has been ongoing pollution within the Diep River that has been well-publicised.
“The Diep River discharges at the estuary mouth at Lagoon Beach. As a result, Lagoon Beach is also affected by pollution in the Diep River,” the City says in a statement.
“With the peak season and hot summer temperatures, the City has been made aware that people are swimming in the estuary mouth, in Milnerton Lagoon and at Lagoon Beach. The City would like to remind residents and visitors that these areas are polluted, and the Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Estuary Mouth and Lagoon Beach remain closed for swimming, playing and recreational use,” the City says.
Pollution warning signs remain in place.
A busy New Year’s Day
Lifeguards had their hands full on New Year’s Day on various beaches.
Lifesaving clubs saluted their voluntary squads for manning the beaches over the festive weekend, New Year’s Day and public holidays.
“These volunteers give up their family time to serve our community when the public ascends our beaches.
“There were no less than 2 500 people enjoying the sunshine each day,” says the Big Bay Surf Lifesaving Club.
The Milnerton Surf Lifesaving Club says 13 voluntary lifeguards kept a watchful eye on the festivities on New Year’s while the community came out in huge numbers with peak beach attendance at more than 1 500 people by 16:00.
