The Tugela Mouth Beach, in Mandeni, on the KZN North Coast, has been closed until further notice.
The beach was closed by the Mandeni Municipality due to mounds of debris washing up on the shores. This was caused by the flooding of the Tugela River Mouth brought on by excessive rain in Ladysmith and surrounding areas.
The beach, a popular fishing spot on the North Coast, will remain closed until the municipality completes clean-up operations on the shores.
The municipality said clean-up operations are still underway.
Swimming not recommended
Municipal manager Sizwe Khuzwayo issued a notice to the public saying beachgoers are advise not to swim or go to Tugela Mouth Beach.
“The municipality’s amenities section has decided to close the beach due to the flooding of Tugela Mouth and other associated facilities within the precinct.
“The activities will include picnicking, religious activities, fishing, swimming, launching of boats and any other activities that will need the use of the beach and the municipal amenities,” he said in the notice.
Tons of onions and potatoes
According to a fisherman who frequents the beach, apart from debris, they also saw carcasses of goats and sheep washed up.
“There were tons of onions and potatoes also washed up. It looks like a farm was flooded up country and the produce and livestock all washed into the river and down to the beach.”
He said while the carcasses were already rotting, people were seen picking some of the produce that appeared salvageable.
