The Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) “unconditionally” apologised to beachgoers after a recent incident in the town.
In a statement released on Friday (19 January), the municipality said it wished to apologise to any beachgoer who may have experienced discomfort owing to an unforeseen spillage into the sea that occurred at Hoedjiesbaai, Saldanha on 10 January.
According to the SBM the incident occurred due to technical issues experienced at the adjacent pump station and possible non-compliance by third parties, which it said would be investigated.
It said as soon as the spillage was detected the relevant team was dispatched to clean the area and attend to the technical issue.
A “No swimming” sign was displayed as a precautionary measure and the area taped-off, the SBM said.
Beachgoers were again reminded not to swim in designated areas where “No swimming” signs are displayed.
“Rest assured that the Executive Mayor and Ward 5 councillor, André Truter, and Saldanha Bay Municipality’s technical teams are working tirelessly to find permanent solutions to preventing any such recurrences.”
Various departments of the municipality had met with the Executive Mayor and were working on a short-, medium- and long-term plan in this regard, the municipality said.
Regarding the perceived lack of ablution facilities, it must be stated ample temporary mobile toilets were strategically placed around the swimming areas.
The toilets were currently still in use in the Hoedjiesbaai swimming area.
The permanent ablution facilities have been closed for a number of years due to continuous vandalism of municipal infrastructure.
However, the toilets at the informal trading area and the taxi rank were open on all public holidays in December and January from 08:00 to 17:00, which includes wash-basin facilities.
“Residents can be assured the Executive Mayor and administration are continuously striving to render effective services and create a joyous beach environment in Saldanha.”
