Fish Hoek Beach reopens, part of Gordon’s Bay Beach closed until further notice
05 January 2023
The section of Fish Hoek Beach that was temporarily closed was reopened
yesterday afternoon (4 January). In the meantime, as a precautionary measure,
visitors are advised that the section of Gordon’s Bay beach between the walkway
and area in front of Spur has been temporarily closed from yesterday until
further notice.
Thank you to beach-goers for their cooperation when sewage-related matters temporarily affect public access to our beaches.
Residents are also reminded that they can help the City reduce the risk of sewer overflows. See tips below.
The main bathing area section at Fish Hoek Beach between the lifeguard station and Jager Walk was reopened yesterday
The temporary closure was due to a sewer overflow caused by a blocked sewer pipe that was cleared. Items such as plastics and materials were removed from the sewer pipe.
Section of Gordon's Bay beach between the walkway and area in front of Spur temporarily closed until further notice (see the map)
The temporary closure is due to a sewer overflow in the area related to a sewer pump station that tripped because inappropriate materials had been thrown into the local sewer network yet again. The pumps are being serviced and mitigation measures have been implemented in the meantime to maintain the sewer operations.
Various City departments have been activated to respond to this incident.
As a precaution, this section of the beach is closed until further notice.
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.
In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water until further notice.
This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues and therefore any person who enters the water does so at their own risk.
Health Warning signage has been erected, advising the public accordingly.
We appreciate the public's cooperation during this time.
What can residents do to help prevent sewer overflows
- Don't flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper. See www.capetown.gov.za/blocked-sewers.
- Use the City's solid waste services provided to get rid of your waste, not drains. Waste that gets into the sewer pipes will cause blockages and put pressure on and damage pump stations and wastewater treatment works (WWTWs).
- Report sewer blockages and overflows so they can be cleared in a reasonable timeframe, given the current power situation.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
