The eThekwini Municipality has reminded the public that the uMhlanga Lagoon and adjoining beach remain closed because of a 1 km exclusion zone. The exclusion zone was imposed after the United Phosphorus Limited (UPL) warehouse in Cornubia was set on fire during the KZN unrest in July 2021, which led to a toxic chemical spill.
“Authorities closed the estuary and beach in July 2021 as a precautionary measure following a chemical spill from the UPL warehouse which contaminated the Ohlange River and uMhlanga Lagoon. Only one kilometre of the beach on either side of the lagoon is closed and not the entire beach,” eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said.
“Authorities are appealing to the public to refrain from any beach activities in the vicinity until the water quality is deemed safe. The City is aware the festive season is upon us, but as a City, we need to first ensure the safety of the public and the tourists. The public is asked to be patient and comply with requests from authorities. Any inconvenience is regretted,” she said.
Sisilana added that the safety of the public is of utmost importance.
