ActionSA KZN provincial chairperson Zwakele Mncwango expressed concern over the closing of beaches in eThekwini Municipality owing to wastewater leaks poisoning river systems and the ocean, leading to dangerously high E. Coli levels.
As the festive season approaches, Mncwango said beach closures will have an impact on tourism, which is crucial to the local economy and provides significant employment opportunities.
"It is unacceptable that we find ourselves in this situation year after year. The Municipality has failed to address the root causes of these closures, including vandalism, sabotage and unmaintained, decaying infrastructure," he said.
He went on to say that years of corruption, negligence, and inadequate maintenance had contributed to the current problem. Mncwango accused the City of making excuses and blaming precipitation for infrastructure issues during the wet season.
He said that the infrastructure is weak and badly maintained, rendering it incapable of managing large downfalls of rain. Documents submitted on behalf of the municipality in pending court actions show that these issues have persisted since 2013 and are not primarily caused by seasonal flooding, he continued.
"We reiterate that decisive action is needed to repair and upgrade the municipality’s ageing infrastructure. Failing to address these issues not only jeopardises public health and the environment, but also threatens the City’s economic future.
"eThekwini cannot afford further declines in tourism numbers, especially during peak periods like the festive season. Every closure of our iconic beaches further erodes our reputation as a world-class destination."
He went on to remark that the municipality's lack of urgency, especially in the face of a lawsuit, exacerbates the irritation. ActionSA is now pursuing a legal lawsuit to make the municipality responsible for service delivery and infrastructural issues.
IOL