Brighton Beach in Nelson Mandela Bay was closed on Saturday after untreated sewage from the Fishwater Flats Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) contaminated the sea, leading to high levels of E. coli in the water. This closure follows ongoing challenges at the WWTW, where critical equipment has been stolen or vandalized over recent years, severely disrupting wastewater treatment.
Metro spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya explained that the theft of electrical cables and machinery, along with damage to motor control centres, has hindered the plant’s ability to treat wastewater effectively. As a result, the final treated effluent, which is discharged into the marine environment at Brighton Beach and Papenkuils River canal, is not meeting required standards.
The beach will remain closed until water quality tests show that the E. coli levels are within the safe limits. The municipality is working to restore the WWTW’s full operational capacity and has deployed security to safeguard the site.
MMC for Infrastructure and Engineering, Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga, assured residents that repairs are ongoing, with over R10.5 million already spent. Efforts are focused on improving effluent quality and preventing further contamination. A gradual increase in the plant’s compliance with discharge standards is expected, with a target of 70% compliance by June 2025.
This is not the first time Fishwater Flats has faced significant issues. In October, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, raised concerns about the extensive damage and theft at the plant, which had already led to costly repairs.
Residents are advised to avoid Brighton Beach and use alternative beaches in the meantime. The municipality is committed to addressing these challenges as quickly as possible to ensure the safety and health of the community.