Thompson’s Bay Beach reopens after sewage spill

POPULAR with tourists and locals, Thompson’s Bay Beach, in Ballito, is now open again.

The beach was closed on January 10, due to a sewage spill from the main stormwater channel, which was linked to the prolonged power outage in the Ballito area at the time.

There can be no certainty that an issue like this will not occur again in future, said DA spokesperson on economic development, tourism and environmental affairs Heinz de Boer.

De Boer is adamant the issue could have been avoided in the first place.

“The Kwadukuza Municipality was warned at least 10 years ago that a sand trap needed to be installed. They are only now installing a sand trap. Again, a classic example of how a small expense on a sand trap could have prevented major costs, and reputational and environmental damage,” said De Boer.

He maintains there are numerous sewage contamination problems. Therefore, the municipality needs to invest more on the maintenance of beaches, so that they do not cause any complications.

“A lack of generators, to keep the pumps going during electricity outages, is to blame. Best practice is that about 5% to 8% of a municipal budget should be directed at regular maintenance of capital assets. In most municipalities, this figure can be as low as 1% or 2%. It then stands to reason that poor budgetary processes are the main contributor to sewage spills,” said De Boer

The municipality issued a statement, based on the test results they received, which confirmed the water quality at the beach to be good, hence the reopening.

Municipality spokesperson Sphelele

Ngobese said an investigation was opened to determine the cause of this spill.

“The municipality is conducting an independent investigation, which will be in accordance with the Section 20 of the National Environmental Management Act, and in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs,” said Ngobese.

Ngobese said the spillage at Thompson’s Bay was due to a multi-function failure at Siza Water Generators, and the matter was being investigated.

According to environmental lawyer Kuben Samie, had the damage not been contained, it could have caused more harm.

Samie said there were ways in which the municipality could prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The municipality should have an early warning system for the sewerage network, including the beach.”