Strand Beach has been temporarily closed due to a raw sewage spill contaminating the water.
Strand Beach closed: Beachgoers warned to avoid swimming
Last week, municipal workers put up signs at two distinct sections of Strand Beach.
These warned beachgoers about the “polluted water” and stated that swimming was at one’s own risk. The main sewer line, known as the Trappies, recently collapsed, leading to the spill.
Strand ward councillor Carl Punt confirmed that the City had repaired the line last Thursday.
This incident is the latest in a series of sewage blockages and overflows affecting the Lourens River estuary and the ocean in Strand.
Local residents and beach users have voiced their frustrations. Jammi Hamlin, a concerned beachgoer, criticised the City for allocating R130 million for beach-front upgrades but neglecting water quality issues.
“Regardless of the constraints of deteriorating sewage infrastructure that is due for rehabilitation, it appears the City of Cape Town’s stance is that it’s acceptable practice to divert sewage into stormwater, while the problem is repaired. Yet since August last year there have been constant ‘overflows’ without any warning given, except for the occasional signage placed,” Hamlin told District Mail.
According to Punt, during the Trappies line repair, all necessary protocols were followed to contain the sewage spill and ensure public safety. Notice boards will remain on Strand Beach until new test results confirm that the water is safe.
City of Cape Town’s plans to avoid future raw sewage spills
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is working to prevent future incidents of this nature. Sewers can collapse for various reasons, including natural wear and tear and the corrosive effect of wastewater.
A multi-pronged approach is being actioned, which includes assessments and planned upgrades, especially for the Trappies Sewer line, the City of Cape Town assured residents in a report published in October 2022.
The City has since planned to construct a new Gordons Bay Sewer Pump Station to alleviate capacity constraints on the Trappies Sewer.
This project is slated for the 2023/24 financial year. Additionally, a sewer pipe replacement program is ongoing, with a specific focus on the Helderberg region, including Strand.