The tidal pool at Strandfontein Pavilion in Mitchells Plain has been closed after poo water made its way into the sea for the second time in as many weeks.
Residents are now demanding answers from the City of Cape Town after beach-goers were left disgusted when vuil water started coming out of the drains at about 1.30pm on Tuesday, streaming into the pool while people were swimming.
Resident Keith Blake says: “I was contacted by people who said the water was coming out again and the stench was unbearable.
“There were people swimming in the water at that time and they all had to leave the area.
“Last week the City said it was a transformer at the pumping station that caused the water to come out and apparently now they are saying it is due to load shedding, but this is a major issue that needs to be resolved because it can affect people’s health.”
Local ward councillor Elton Jansen said on Wednesday he was aware of the issue and the City had been notified, but said he could not comment further as he was attending an event.
A male resident told the Daily Voice the City came out to sort out the issue yesterday.
Mayco member for community service and health Zahid Badroodien confirmed an on-site visit was conducted, but he did not comment on the cause of the sewage spill.
He said the pool and beach has been closed to the public until further notice.
“It was observed that the overflow stopped and re-samples were taken for analysis.
“A co-ordinated decision was made to close the tidal pool and beach area until the results available are compliant,” said Badroodien.
junior.bester@inl.co.za