Cape Town – Bakoven Beach along the Atlantic coastline has become the latest to be temporarily closed to the public due to a fault at the Beta sewer pump station.
The City on Thursday afternoon said the temporary closure followed an electrical failure at the sewer pump station, as a result of continuous load shedding.
Last weekend, Fish Hoek Beach was closed due to concerns over the water quality.
The City said Bakoven Beach has been closed until further notice.
“As a precautionary measure, visitors are advised that Bakoven Beach on the Atlantic coastline is temporarily closed to the public until further notice.
“The City is looking into a solution that will prevent overflows at this pump station that is in close proximity to the small swimming area.
“One such solution is the possibility of installing an emergency inverter or uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system that will solve the load shedding problem at this pump station.
“Health warning signage has been installed.
“City Health will be taking water samples on a daily basis for water quality testing until such time as the levels are within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines,” the City said.
The public has been advised to avoid contact with the water, as it could result in possible gastro-intestinal issues.
The City said anyone who entered the water did so at their own risk.
“This latest beach closure highlights the challenges brought about by continued high stages of load shedding on the City’s water and sanitation infrastructure.
“Every effort is being made to address spills as speedily as possible.
“However, with higher, prolonged stages of load shedding being experienced, sewer spills and overflows are to be expected, despite the contingency measures that are in place.
“The City’s sewer pump stations need electricity to function effectively.
Residents and visitors recently returned to Fish Hoek Beach after the City of Cape Town announced it had reopened the beach after testing its water quality.
The beach had been closed days prior as a precautionary measure due to a blocked sewer.
Cape Times