THE Blue Flag Programme South Africa has confirmed that certain Durban beaches have had their Blue Flag status taken away after tests confirmed the poor quality of the water.
The Bay of Plenty beach, Anstey’s beach and South beach had their Blue Flag status revoked in 2007 after tests revealed the water had unacceptably high levels of bacteria. Addington beach and North beach both have high levels of bacteria, but have had their Blue Flag status withdrawn “as a result of poor cleanliness of the beach and the facilities,” according to the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), implementers of the Blue Flag Programme in South Africa.
The environmental organisation said: “The reason why Blue Flag status has been withdrawn on some of Durban’s beaches and why future Blue Flag accreditation may not be given to some of Durban’s beaches is as a result of the water quality at these beaches. This is based on data provided to the Blue Flag Coordination by the eThekwini laboratory.”
The withdrawal of the Blue Flag status “hasn’t had any impact on visitor numbers. Our beaches are still full,” said Perry Moodley, acting ceo Durban Africa. Moodley added that they had not had any concerns from international visitors, but getting the status reinstated was top priority for Durban.
