Advocacy group calls for speedy resolution to Cape Town's raw sewage problem

CAPE TOWN - Advocacy group, Rethink the Stink says it's disappointing that plans to resolve raw sewage in Cape Town’s recreational areas, can only be addressed by 2028.

This comes after the Milnerton community raised concerns over the discharge of sewage into the Lagoon Beach.

Some residents said water sports activities have been halted, due to health risks.

READ: Milnerton residents concerned with sewage stench coming from Lagoon Beach

The City of Cape Town told Eyewitness News that pollution warning signs were in place to warn residents that the Lagoon Beach remained closed for swimming due to "chronic pollution" in the Diep River.

"The City’s various collaborative efforts to improve water quality in the Diep River, which impacts the Milnerton Lagoon and Lagoon Beach, are underway and these improvements will be seen gradually over time."

The city explained the Diep River catchment area which leads to the Milerton Lagoon and Lagoon Beach has multiple sources of pollution, all of which actively contribute to its poor water quality.

"To see this improve, all the stakeholders in this catchment, including government, the public and industries need to work collaboratively and action interventions and initiatives."

They assured that various initiatives were already being actioned, to allow for the dredging and removing of sediment and pollution build-up at the bottom of the river.

"The City is committed to partnering with all who care about restoring the health of the lagoon environment to addressing these challenges.

Rethink the Stink Caroline Marx said the public needs to apply pressure on the City of Cape Town to resolve the pollution problem.

"Rietvlei recreational Vlei closed because of high E. Coli outcomes. Also, despite big improvements, there are still regular outflows of what is basically raw sewage into the Lagoon near Milnerton High School with no plans in place to resolve this," said Marx.