Some Durban beaches to remain closed, says eThekwini mayor

DURBAN - For years, many have flocked to Durban's beaches over the festive season.

But, this year may be different as several beaches have been closed due to sewage leaking into the ocean.

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda has given an update regarding the status of various beaches in the metro.

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He says that due to the magnitude of repair work and the standards of the water, some beaches will remain closed.

"We have been able to open many of the beaches, however, due to the magnitude of the repair work that must still continue, there are still a few that remain closed," Kaunda said.

READ: eThekwini assures visitors beaches are safe

"Beaches that are opened have been confirmed to meet the quality standards for the safety of bathing water. Those that don't yet meet the standard, remain closed."

The DA has blamed eThekwini for failing to ensure that all beaches are safe.

"We can only hope that this is not one of those rushed, reckless decisions that the mayor is known to be taking under pressure because what we can't do as the city leadership is to endanger the lives of the people just because we are under pressure to open beaches," said the DA's Thabani Mthethwa.