eThekwini water quality testing lab allegedly not accredited – DA

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said in a statement that the eThekwini Municipality’s laboratory that conducted tests on the quality of water at beaches is allegedly not accredited.

DA writes to City Manager to share water quality test results

In a statement, DA eThekwini Councillor Gavin Hegter said that the party has written to City Manager Musa Mbhele. They requested that Mbhele share details of the laboratory that was used to test the water quality in the city.

Recently, the City announced that 13 beaches were now reopened.

The DA says it is concerned about the decision to reopen the 13 beaches. The opposition party has requested clarity on whether or not the City used their own laboratory or a private laboratory.

“Wastewater systems throughout the city are still in a state of collapse with very little progress being made on repairs. This means that we still have huge volumes of sewage flowing into our water courses and ultimately into our ocean,” said Hegter.

An independent, accredited laboratory ALSO conducted tests

The party stated that it was also concerning that the findings of the testing were not made public. According to the party, tests were recently done on some of the reopened beaches by an independent, accredited laboratory and the results indicate that the beaches should not be opened.

Hegter noted that the current levels of sewage in rivers and oceans increase the possibility of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. The party concluded by stating that the decision to reopen the 13 beaches is ‘highly irresponsible’.

The DA added that they will continue to monitor independent test results and put pressure on the City to ensure that the health and lives of residents and visitors are prioritised.

List of beaches under eThekwini Municipality that are now open

Meanwhile, it was reported that the eThekwini Municipality has opened some of its beaches following extensive water testing. Beaches under the metro municipality were closed with immediate effect on Monday, 22 August, due to high levels of E-coli in the water.

Water activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, bathing, canoeing, and other activities were also not allowed. The eThekwini Municipality said testing has confirmed that the water quality at the beaches that are now open is currently at an acceptable standard.

Meanwhile, parliamentary questions by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province have revealed that eThekwini Municipality may face more criminal charges as raw sewage continues to ravage rivers across the city. Read the full story here.