NATIONAL NEWS - Businesses that rely on tourism are devastated that North Coast beaches continue to be closed for the second month, North Coast Courier reports.
Accommodation and catering businesses are reporting cancellations and low numbers as beach-loving tourists look elsewhere.
The beaches were closed following a chemical spill during the July unrest while the safety of the water is being tested by the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment department.
The United Phosphorus Limited warehouse at Cornubia, which was storing large quantities of harmful chemicals, was set alight and water used by eThekwini firefighters sent chemicals into the Ohlanga River and eventually the ocean.
eThekwini municipality says the contamination remains enough of a concern to warrant the continued closure of beaches from Umgeni River Mouth to Salt Rock after dead fish washed ashore more than a month ago.
Beaches were closed as a precautionary measure.
“The beaches will be open once authorities are satisfied that there is no risk to public health. Revised reports are expected this week which will then be sent for a peer review before a decision is taken,” said metro spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Barbara Creecy said the final report was at ‘an advanced stage’.
However, many who are opposed to the continued closure believe strong ocean currents would have long since carried any pollution away.
Inus van Schalkwyk of Cyberview Letting said they had not been given acceptable explanations for the report’s delay. “Whoever we speak to passes us along to the next person,” he said.
“We get around 5 enquiries about the poison and beach closures each day. If 5 potential holidaymakers phone, there is a probability of many more who won’t bother asking or coming to visit.”
Gill Birch, who runs a small private holiday rental business from her home, said she has had continuous cancellations.
“The hospitality industry in the area is really suffering because of something that should have never happened in the first place,” said Birch, who operates at Thompson’s Bay.
Owner of Taso’s Bar and Restaurant at Salmon Bay, Andre Erasmus said he has lost more than half his turnover in last 2 months, around R1.2 million.
“I am currently operating on half staff and if I get 5 or 7 tables a day, that would be a lot,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce CEO, Cobus Oelofse said the chamber was very concerned about the closures.
“This is continuing to impact sectors of our region. It is significant, considering the vast majority of tourism activity in our region is associated with a beach experience,” he said.
