Researchers say CoCT refusing to engage with their evidence showing CT's rivers, beaches polluted with sewage

CAPE TOWN - A team of scientists says they have been presenting the City of Cape Town with evidence of sewage pollution in rivers and coastal zones for several years.

The researchers this week released a study, led by the University of Cape Town (UCT), which shows repeated denial, interference and misrepresentation of science by city officials in response to water pollution in Cape Town.

City officials said they were reviewing the study before responding to the scientists accordingly.

Author of the study, Professor Lesley Green, said that city officials had refused to engage with evidence that shows Cape Town's rivers and beaches were polluted with sewage.

"The city officials who are responsible for a clean environment don't engage with our data, instead they attack us. They attack our science and they've claimed repeatedly that only their data is correct."

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said that the city has been transparent about its sewage challenges.

"All of this information is available on the city's website, from expert independent studies and findings, to the outcomes of our water quality sampling along our vast coastline that are updated on a weekly basis."

Professor Green said that the city should be working with scientists to solve its sewage challenges, rather than attacking them.