As the Human Rights Day long weekend approaches, with families and friends gearing up for recreational activities, fishermen continue to face the challenge of high E. coli levels along the Umngeni Estuary and Blue Lagoon, as the fishing ban remains in place.
Blue Lagoon is still closed for recreational and fishing purposes. Since the ban was implemented in January, authorities have continued to enforce restrictions to safeguard public health and the environment. The closure follows a Coastal Compliance Notice issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, prohibiting recreational and fishing activities from the Umngeni Estuary to the Blue Lagoon non-bathing beach. This directive, issued under Section 59(1) of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act No. 24 of 2008, aims to protect public health and prevent further environmental degradation.
EThekwini Municipality initiated an extensive investigation on 7 January to identify the source of sewage effluent discharge along the Umngeni Estuary, with inquiries still ongoing. It should be noted that the municipality confirmed in January that investigations were underway, and this update has not changed recently. According to the municipality, once investigations are complete, necessary repairs will be undertaken to address any damaged infrastructure responsible for the release of untreated effluent into the estuary.
“The investigation will ensure that the municipality identifies and addresses the root causes of the pollution. Once the source is identified, appropriate remedial action will be taken to restore the estuary and prevent further contamination,” said the municipality.
Key contributors to pollution and elevated E. coli levels, particularly in estuaries and beaches, include infrastructure failures caused by persistent theft and vandalism of sewer infrastructure, as well as illegal connections to the sewer system. The municipality has reassured residents that efforts are underway to resolve these infrastructural challenges. “We urge residents to report instances of vandalism and theft of infrastructure to law enforcement authorities so that perpetrators can be held accountable,” the statement added.
In the meantime, fishermen are advised to comply with the fishing restrictions at the Umngeni Estuary and Blue Lagoon, which will remain in effect until further notice.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued Yellow Level 4 and Orange Level 6 weather warnings for KwaZulu-Natal, predicting severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours, hail, damaging winds, and severe lightning from Thursday afternoon into Friday. The south-eastern parts of the province are expected to experience disruptive rain, which could lead to flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, and mudslides.
Anglers are encouraged to use this time to prepare for improved fishing conditions over the Human Rights Day long weekend. Fishing expert Vinesh Soogreem suggests organising tackle, making traces, and getting ready for better conditions once the weather clears.
For now, the ban on recreational and fishing activities at Blue Lagoon remains in place until further notice.
