Residents in the area have began to cast blame onto the informal settlements, like Dunoon, which have been increasing in size, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: 100 nappies found in routine Milnerton Lagoon beach clean-up
Health concerns have designated the Milnerton beach as essentially off limits to the public, despite the suspension of load-shedding, which residents claim has reduced the stench.
Parents in the area are in distress as children gravitate towards the water regardless of the large warning signs which prohibits swimming at the beach.
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According to interviews conducted by EWN, community members have said that the beach remains full and its visitors leave behind waste and litter and the result is that the area becomes dirtier.
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In a media statement released in the beginning of September, the City of Cape Town reported that immense progress has been made as far as it pertains to improving the water quality and environmental health of the Milnerton Lagoon.
Key updates were provided by the City in the most recent quarterly stakeholder engagement meeting.
These updates include the ongoing maintenance and upgrades at the Koeberg Pump Station. The City also intends to introduce long-term interventions at the station which will involve the construction of a new pump station.
In addition, Ryan’s Pond has been maintained to receive spills which in turn will prevent the further contamination of the Diep River and Milnerton Lagoon. Contamination will further be prevented by two permanently placed mobile pumps which will further lighten the environmental burden.
Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, has commented on the matter stating ‘the City is fully committed to restoring the health and quality of Milnerton Lagoon, as demonstrated by our comprehensive investments and improvements in and around the area. While these measures are being implemented, we also rely on the community’s cooperation to help keep pollution out of our waterways.’
Community members and businesses have been swept into action to reduce the ongoing environmental degradation.
Pick n Pay’s People n Planet alongside Save a fishie have partnered to host the Milnerton Lagoon Clean-Up, an initiative which invites locals to aid in the clean up of the Milnerton Lagoon in honour of International Coastal Cleanup Day.
Volunteers are encouraged to meet at the Milnerton Lagoon on Saturday 21 September, 9am-12pm, to aid in the reduction of environmental harm.
Those interested in attending should bring along water, a hat, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and where possible, their own garden gloves.
Also read:
Litter crisis in Bloubergstrand and Milnerton sparks urgent cleanup calls
Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images