uMhlanga main beach is open for swimming, as are 20 other of the 23 beaches that fall within the eThekwini metro.
Image: Zanele Zulu
A total of 21 out of 23 beaches in eThekwini Municipality are open and safe for swimming.
The City said that Anstey's Beach on the Bluff and Reunion beach in Isipingo, both south of Durban, remained closed.
City spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said investigations to trace the source of pollution are currently under way.
The beaches with the lowest E-coli levels are Point, Umdloti Main and Umgababa.
Other beaches cited with excellent levels were Toti Main beach, Brighton Beach, Ushaka and Battery Beach.
North Beach and South Beach were cited as having acceptable levels of E-coli.
The City also announced that a developer for the long-term leasing and redevelopment of “Joe Kools,” located at 137 Marine Parade.
This milestone follows the Municipality’s Proactive Land Release Strategy which invited industry proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in November last year.
The successful proposal secured a 45-year lease for the redevelopment of this iconic property.
The City said the project will transform the property into a modern facility while retaining its charm and appeal.
The project will retain current national tenants under the Famous Brands umbrella, including Wimpy, Steers, Fishaways, and Milky Lane.
A new Mugg and Bean restaurant will be introduced, with additional tenants to be confirmed as construction progresses.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the Municipality is committed to ensuring that all existing jobs are retained and anticipates additional employment opportunities will be created as the new building will be 68% larger than the current structure.
“This expansion will attract new tenants, further boosting local businesses and job creation. The Municipality remains committed to driving economic growth and urban revitalisation through strategic property initiatives," said Xaba.
This redevelopment is a significant step toward realising the Municipality’s vision of creating a vibrant and thriving beachfront for both residents and visitors, said Xaba.
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