An environmental awareness and public pressure group is planning a protest at Strand Beach on Friday, 16 January, to demand urgent action to put an end to “recurring sewage spills”.

They have accused the City of Cape Town of failing to adequately inform the public about the risks, claiming that sewage spills are having a devastating impact on people’s health, local businesses, the environment, and the coastline.

A spokesperson for the group, Jamii Hamlin, says the lack of warnings and transparency about water quality status takes away simple pleasures many communities rely on for recreational enjoyment and well-being.

“This pollution impacts the local community and economy, threatening tourism, hospitality, and small businesses. Health and jobs are put at risk, property values drop, and residents continue to pay rates and taxes without getting basic services in return.”

The group has called on the City to take immediate action to stop sewage spills and pollution and provide access to water quality reports with ecoli and enterococci data, amongst other demands.

They are also calling for a moratorium on new developments until sewage infrastructure is upgraded and operational.

In a response, the City of Cape Town has acknowledged residents’ frustration with ongoing sewage overflows, but maintains it is safe to swim at Strand Beach.

The MMC for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, says overflows experienced late last year are the result of multiple, separate faults across the local sewer network, including blockages, pipe collapses, pump station failures, a sinkhole and legacy construction defects.

He adds that while there is some increased pressure on the network, while it is being upgraded, the sewage outflows are not all linked to the Trappies Bulk Sewer rehabilitation.

“Residents and visitors can be assured that it is safe to enjoy Cape Town’s beaches, including Strand. The City has intensified monitoring along the Strand coastline, including the main surfing and swimming areas, with daily testing from Monday to Friday for the past 18 months, which is an exceptional frequency by global standards. Coastal water quality at Strand beach has been consistently good.”

The peaceful protest will start at 6 pm on Strand Beach, between the Hiberian Towers and the Strand Surf Lifesaving Club.

READ MORE: The City’s multi-million rand investment to strengthen the Helderberg’s sewer infrastructure